A former Foreign Affairs Minister, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, has expressed strong disapproval of Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK’s opposition Conservative Party, for her repeated negative remarks about Nigeria. Eyes Of Lagos reports,
Badenoch, who was born in Nigeria, has faced criticism for consistently painting her country of birth in an unfavorable light during public speeches.
Badenoch’s Controversial Comments
In her latest salvo at Nigeria, Badenoch, during a speech at an event hosted by Onward, a British think tank, alleged that the country destroys lives. She reflected on her experiences in Lagos, claiming that despite her family’s hard work, inflation and poor governance wiped out their wealth.
“I grew up in a poor country and watched my relatively wealthy family become poorer and poorer,” she said. “I came back to the UK aged 16 with my father’s last £100 in the hope of a better life. I don’t want Britain to suffer the same fate as Nigeria.”
These remarks follow a history of criticism from Badenoch, who once described Nigeria as a “socialist country” plagued by corruption, insecurity, and inefficiency.
Akinyemi Fires Back
Reacting on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Professor Akinyemi accused Badenoch of using Nigeria as a scapegoat to boost her political career in the UK. He described her actions as a “betrayal of heritage” and warned her against tarnishing her roots to win political favor.
“How can the daughter of a UNILAG professor—a medical doctor—who attended the International School at UNILAG make it sound like she was hawking sachet water and groundnuts in Lagos?” Akinyemi asked.
He emphasized that Badenoch’s privileged background contradicts the hardship stories she tells.
“She is making a mistake by throwing her people and culture under the bus for political gain,” Akinyemi added, warning that such tactics could backfire as the UK political landscape evolves.
A Growing Backlash
Badenoch’s comments have drawn ire from prominent Nigerians, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, who in December challenged her to “drop the Kemi” from her name if she’s ashamed of her Nigerian heritage.
The controversy highlights the tension between the British politician’s roots and her attempts to navigate a highly competitive political environment in the UK.
What’s Next for Badenoch?
As Akinyemi pointed out, Badenoch may soon realize that dragging her heritage through the mud is not the path to long-term success. Instead, she may need to focus on rebuilding the profile of her party rather than disparaging her homeland.
This unfolding drama leaves one question lingering: Can Kemi Badenoch reconcile her Nigerian roots with her British ambitions without alienating her heritage?
Stay tuned for more updates on this heated political saga!
