Nigerian-British opposition leader Kemi Badenoch has sparked controversy over her response to advice from Nigeria’s Vice President, suggesting she remove “Kemi” from her name if she is ashamed of her Nigerian roots. Her reaction, deemed undiplomatic, confrontational, and provocative by many Nigerians at home and abroad, has raised questions about her political maturity and temperament for leadership.
Headlinenews conducted a survey of opinions across the UK, USA, Canada, Nigeria, and Africa, revealing mixed reactions. However, a significant majority—80%—criticized Badenoch’s response, viewing it as an inexperienced and inappropriate reaction to the Vice President of the country where she holds dual citizenship and spent her early years. This controversy risks escalating into a diplomatic issue if not well addressed.
Kemi Badenoch appears to be taking a precarious path, as British politics typically has little tolerance for outspoken immigrants. A strong movement is being organized to call for her removal as the Leader of the Opposition. Many Nigerians in the UK consider her disparaging remarks about Nigeria unnecessary and out of order.
Critics argue that Badenoch has relied too heavily on the sympathy card, leveraging alleged negative experiences in Nigeria to gain empathy and political advantage. However, Nigerians both at home and abroad question the authenticity of her narrative, noting that others who grew up in similar middle-class environments during that time did not share such experiences. Interestingly, some of these individuals are members of the same Conservative Party in the UK.
Furthermore, Badenoch’s retention of her Yoruba name suggests a continued connection to her cultural identity and Nigerian roots. This stands in stark contrast to her claims of a troubled past in Nigeria; if her experiences were as negative as she claims, it is argued, she might have discarded her name upon relocating to the UK.
Dr. Olatunde Ayoola
Medical Practitioner, UK.
Kemi Badenoch’s provocative response to Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, is highly inappropriate for a British-trained politician, regardless of her dual citizenship. Her remarks are condemnable for several reasons.
First, the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria demands unconditional respect. Disrespecting Vice President Shettima is equivalent to disrespecting the office and the nation he represents. Additionally, Yoruba cultural values emphasize unwavering respect for elders, regardless of circumstances. If Badenoch is truly of Yoruba heritage, her response suggests a disregard for these fundamental principles of upbringing and respect.
Furthermore, Badenoch could have communicated her perspective in a more measured and diplomatic manner. Her confrontational approach is unjustifiable and shows a lack of political tact. It is vital for her to recognize that taking on the Vice President of Nigeria—a leading economy in Africa and an important trading partner for the UK—could have significant repercussions. The British government prioritizes its relations with Nigeria and will likely act to protect its interests.
It is also essential to challenge her disparagement of Nigeria. Every nation faces societal and security challenges. The UK itself grapples with issues such as mugging, gang violence, food insecurity, and homelessness. Similarly, countries like India, China, and the USA face demographic and socio-economic issues, yet their citizens refrain from publicly disparaging their homelands. This is a demonstration of patriotism, which Badenoch, as a dual citizen, should embody.
Notably, other UK politicians of foreign heritage, such as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, refrain from criticizing their countries of origin. Badenoch should learn from their example. Criticizing Nigeria not only undermines her cultural roots but also risks alienating a critical segment of the UK’s international partnerships and communities.
Princess Gloria Adebajo- Fraser. MFR.
Founder of the National Patriots,
CEO, Fraser Consulting.
Princess Gloria is from the Yoruba race and married to a Scottish Professional and Fellow of the NIQS.
I am really disappointed in this lady Kemi Badenoch’s bad mouthing Nigeria. Is it because she has married a Whiteman so she is looking down on Nigeria now?
Shame on Kemi. Most people bearing the name Kemi are problematic, controversial with a sharp tongue. Nigeria when she was 16 is not Nigeria today! Kemi comes from a middle class Nigerian family and went to a regular secondary school. She was not a bright intelligent girl in school. She was not a popular teenager. My niece knew Kemi and confirmed many people didnt like Kemi in school. She used to tell a lot of lies, she had an inferiority complex and was not good with her studies. Kemi was a girl with a lot of issues and didnt have friends due to her temperament and anti social behaviour. Kemi was rude and outspoken and nobody liked her. She wasnt pretty, she was jealous of other girls and was once accused of stealing. Kemi Adegoke cant say much about her growing up in Nigeria because she did a lot of bad things and got in trouble. Once she was caught cheating during exams. Kemi can do anything to get what she wants. She is a hustler. She used to get into fights in school.
If she wants, let her school write a report on Kemi Adegoke’s period in secondary school. The was suspended once and was threatened with expulsion the second time.
My niece is Tolulope. There was a Shola and Funmi. I dare Kemi to ask her secondary school in Nigeria to provide a report on her period in the school.
This is a girl who claims Nigeria is a bad Country, but she was well disciplined in the schools she attended to mould her and break all her bad habits to attain her present position.
Kemi is an ingrate. It is only the UK that will accept such a character without checking her past records or antecedents.
I will get some evidence and expose Kemi to the world if she fails to apologise to our Vice President Shettima and Nigerians. If i expose her, she would have to step down from that position she holds. Who does she think she is? Spoiling Nigeria like that when this government is working very hard to address our need gaps and image. Nigeria is working on its perception management and showing her positives, so why is Kemi dragging us in the mud? She is surely omo ale! She probably insults her parents when they try to caution her!!!!!
Kemi, we are waiting for you. We will remove you from your high horse soon! Dont forget what happened in the secondary school you attended in Nigeria. We will make it public soon.
You are a criminal, Kemi.
Alhaja Sikirat Oluwatobi
Entrepreneur.
Vice President Shettima is a man of integrity. He is a pride to the people of Northern Nigeria and the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Kemi Badenoch has surely stepped out of order as the opposition leader of the UK.
She obviously doesnt appreciate the gravity of her disparagement of her country of origin. It shows that she lacks the political maturity, level headedness required of someone holding such a position in the UK. This lady may have some psychological disorder otherwise, it doesnt make political sense to confront the Vice President of your country of origin. No matter her dual citizenship, she will always put “Nigeria” in any form she fills in the area reserved for the country of origin. It is stupid to lock horns with the Vice President of Nigeria. Its like commiting political suicide. Nigeria and Great Britain have a deep bond presently, besides the historical relationship and Kemi is an insignificant factor who could easily be traded off for a better harmonious relationship. We demand an apology from this opposition leader for publicly disparaging Nigeria immediately or we shall have no choice but to take steps through our Foreign Affairs Ministry to enforce a retraction and other actions. This has nothing to do with her being Nigerian; no politician anywhere in the world especially the UK, has the right to disparage a sovereign nation like Nigeria which happens to be one of the fastest growing economies in Africa and a trading partner of Nigeria.
Nigerians are waiting anxiously for the reaction of the British Government and High Commission.
Professor Adamu Aliyu.
Kemi Badenoch’s parents should step in to address their daughter’s behavior, which reflects poorly on her Yoruba upbringing, unless they have lost influence over her actions. The National Patriots unequivocally condemn her public disparagement of Nigeria and demand an unreserved apology to the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Nigerian people for portraying only the negative aspects of the country while ignoring the positives.
Kemi cannot deny having had any good experiences in Nigeria. Is she suggesting there is nothing positive about the country? Millions of Nigerians in the diaspora return home every Christmas to enjoy the festive atmosphere and vibrant celebrations, often without fear or hesitation. My husband, a Scottish professional, appreciates Nigeria and its unique qualities and prefers living in Nigeria than the UK.
He refers to Nigeria as the World’s best kept secret.
Kemi owes Vice President Shettima and Nigerians an apology for her unbalanced portrayal of the nation. South Africa faces greater insecurity and poverty challenges, yet its citizens do not disparage their country in such a manner. This indicates that Kemi may lack the awareness and exposure necessary to understand the complexities of global issues before criticizing Nigeria.
Nigeria does not need Kemi’s public relations; the global achievements of Nigerians speak for themselves. Kemi, a product of Nigeria, benefits from this legacy. If she feels otherwise, she should consider changing her Nigerian name. It is clear that she is the one in need of PR, as her irrational, uncultured, and unrestrained temperament proves she is unfit for such a significant political position in the UK. This controversy has the potential to derail her career.
Princess Gloria Adebajo- Fraser. MFR
Founder, The National Patriots.
CEO, Fraser Consulting ltd
CEO, Eden & Mcwhit Global Services.
