Kemi Badenoch’s recent statement has sparked quite a conversation. The leader of the UK’s Conservative Party shared that she identifies more with her Yoruba heritage than with being Nigerian, highlighting a personal distinction in her cultural identity .

In an interview with The Spectator, Badenoch expressed her perspective on the complexities of identifying as Nigerian, particularly due to her limited connection to the northern regions of the country. She mentioned that she has nothing in common with the people from northern Nigeria, which she described as a “haven for Islamism and Boko Haram”.

Her comments have drawn significant backlash from many Nigerians, including high-profile figures like Vice President Kashim Shettima, who accused her of denigrating her country of origin. However, some people have also come out in support of Badenoch, saying that she’s simply speaking the truth about the differences between Yoruba culture and northern Nigeria.

Kemi Badenoch’s recent comments have sparked quite a conversation. Born in the UK to Nigerian parents, she identifies more strongly with her Yoruba heritage than with being Nigerian. Badenoch explained that her experiences and connection to the Yoruba ethnic group shape her worldview, making her feel disconnected from the northern region of Nigeria, which she associates with extremism and the Boko Haram insurgency.

Her comments have been met with criticism, particularly from Nigerian public figures. Vice President Kashim Shettima advised her to change her name if she wished to distance herself from Nigeria, referring to Nigeria as “the greatest black nation on earth”.

However, some people have come out in support of Badenoch, saying that she’s simply speaking the truth about the differences between Yoruba culture and northern Nigeria. Yoruba Youth Leaders have even condemned VP Shettima’s call for Badenoch to drop her Yoruba name, praising her for her stance against corruption and insecurity in Nigeria.