Femi Fani-Kayode Criticizes UK Minister Kemi Badenoch Over Remarks on Nigerian Heritage

Former Nigerian Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has sharply criticized Kemi Badenoch, theUK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, for recent comments she made about her Nigerian heritage.

Badenoch, who expressed her aspirations for the UK, reportedly stated, "This is my country… I don’t want it to become like the place I ran away from. I want it to get better and better, not just for me, but for that next generation." Her statement appeared to reference her Nigerian roots, sparking varied responses across social media.

In a tweet responding to Badenoch, Fani-Kayode described her as “self-righteous,” condemning her remarks and suggesting that her focus should be on aiding Nigeria’s progress instead of critiquing it from abroad. He further intensified the debate by labeling her as “the female version of Uncle Tom,” adding fuel to discussions about national identity, loyalty, and the role of Nigerians in the diaspora in advocating for change in their homeland.

Badenoch’s comments, along with Fani-Kayode’s reaction, have prompted widespread conversations on social media regarding the obligations and identities of Nigerians living abroad.