Kemi Badenoch, a prominent leader in the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, recently opened up about her cultural identity and how she sees herself in relation to Nigeria and her Yoruba heritage.
Speaking during an interview with The Spectator, Badenoch shared her views on ethnicity and nationality, drawing clear distinctions between the two.
Badenoch expressed that while many people identify her as Nigerian, she feels more connected to her Yoruba ethnicity, which is one of Nigeria’s major ethnic groups. She explained this by saying, “I find it interesting that everybody defines me as being Nigerian. I identify less with the country than with the specific ethnicity (Yoruba).”
She also commented on the lack of connection she feels with certain regions in Nigeria, particularly the northern parts of the country, which have faced significant challenges from extremist groups like Boko Haram. “I have nothing in common with the people from the north of the country, the Boko Haram where Islamism is,” she stated.
Reflecting on her surname, Badenoch revealed it has inspired her throughout her life. She explained, “Somebody once told me when I was very young that my surname was a name for people who were warriors. They protected the crown, and that’s what I see myself as doing.”
Badenoch also reaffirmed her commitment to the UK, saying, “I am here to protect, and I will die protecting this country because I know what’s out there.”
