A recent comment by leader of the UK Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch has ignited a heated debate among Nigerians, with some defending her right to identify with her Yoruba heritage, while others have criticized her for perceived anti-Northern sentiments.
In an interview with The Spectator, Badenoch emphasised her Yoruba heritage and distanced herself from identifying as Nigerian, citing the country’s northern region as a hub for extremism.
“I find it interesting that everybody defines me as being Nigerian. I identify less with the country than with the specific ethnicity [Yoruba],”
“I have nothing in common with the people from the north of the country, the Boko Haram where Islamism is.” Badenoch said
The comment has seen some X users come to Badenoch’s defense, praising her for speaking her truth, while others have accused her of hypocrisy and of perpetuating negative stereotypes about Northern Nigerians.
The controversy has sparked a wider conversation about identity, ethnicity, and patriotism in Nigeria, with some calling for greater understanding and tolerance, while others have expressed frustration and anger.
Olufunmilola (@rusticfunmi) argued for the need to distinguish between Northern Nigeria and other regions, emphasizing that “we are NOT the same people.” Her comment reflects the enduring regional and ethnic tensions within the country.
On a more reconciliatory note, #OurFavOnlineDoc praised the measured response to Badenoch’s comments. If Kemi Badenoch was an Igbo woman,
“Twitter would have been far more rowdy than it is. But so far so good, there has been no attacks on Yoruba people as a whole. Only attacks on Kemi as a person. I love how everybody now understands how to separate the person (who makes a comment) from the tribe they belong. I hope and I pray this new objectivity in analysis of issues continues even when the subject of discussion comes from another side of the country.” he tweeted
Meanwhile, Adetutu Osun’s Daughter (@Asakemijimi) voiced solidarity with Badenoch, suggesting parallels between her experiences and those of Kemi Adeosun, a former Nigerian minister who faced criticism during the Buhari administration.
” Two great Yoruba women. I’m pretty sure Kemi Adeosun supports Kemi Badenoch
Especially after the harassment Kemi Adeosun faced by Northerners under Buhari’s regime. I stand with both Kemis” she declared.
Others were less forgiving. Usen Usen (usen0129) dismissed attempts to deflect criticism of Nigeria’s leadership, pointing to the importance of addressing governance failures highlighted by Badenoch.
“This constant denial of reality is what continues to keep the northern part of Nigeria in its current state. You can compare oranges to otiapiapia if you like, but the reality and facts about what Kemi Badenoch has said about Nigeria and its failed leadership cannot be ignored or dismissed by cheap propaganda.” Usen posted
Conversely, Asgard (@didi_Nzute) accused Badenoch of tribal bias, claiming she positioned Yorubas as superior to other groups, particularly the Hausa/Fulani.
“Kemi badenoch thinks that her tribe is way better than the hausa/fulani she termed Boko Haram. Yorubas that are fully into skull mining & the rest are into internet frãud & other social vices? I rather av a dealing with a northerner than a Yoruba person.” he posited.
Recall that Nigeria’s Vice President who hails from Borno, a region heavily affected by Boko Haram, criticized Kemi Badenoch’s previous comments about her country of birth which many see as denigrating.
“She could go ahead and change her name if she does not want any association with the greatest black nation on earth, the nation called Nigeria,” Shettima said.
The ongoing debate underscores the sensitivity surrounding ethnicity in Nigeria, especially when high-profile figures make remarks that touch on identity and governance. Badenoch’s comments, while made in a foreign context, have rekindled conversations on Nigeria’s complex ethnic dynamics, highlighting the ongoing challenge of fostering unity in diversity.
