Kemi Badenoch will learn not to disparage her people – Prof. Akinyemi
By Jeffrey Agbo
Former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, has criticised UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch for recent remarks she made about Nigeria.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Monday, Akinyemi described Badenoch’s comments as an ill-advised attempt to advance her political career at the expense of her heritage.
The renowned political scientist and former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) expressed disappointment in Badenoch, noting that her portrayal of her Nigerian background was both misleading and disrespectful.
“How the daughter of a professor at UNILAG, her father who was a medical doctor, a girl who went to the International School at UNILAG, would make it sound like she was selling groundnut and water in Lagos to advance her political career is beyond me,” Akinyemi remarked.
He emphasised that Badenoch’s actions were a mistake, but expressed hope she would soon learn that betraying her people and culture is not a viable path to success.
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“She would soon learn that you don’t throw your people and your culture under the bus to advance your career. She is making a mistake, but she will learn,” he said.
Akinyemi also advised Badenoch to focus on pressing issues within Britain and the Conservative Party instead of making disparaging comments about Nigeria. “What she should be focusing on is how to regain that right-wing profile of the Conservative Party and leave Nigeria alone,” he added.
Badenoch’s comments have sparked backlash from Nigerian officials and public figures. Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala suggested that her remarks were designed to secure approval within the Conservative Party. Similarly, Vice President Kashim Shettima, in December 2024, rebuked Badenoch, stating that while she is entitled to her opinions, she could also dissociate herself from her Nigerian heritage if she chooses.
