Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, former Foreign Minister, has publicly criticized Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK Conservative Party, for making derogatory comments about Nigeria.
Akinyemi, speaking on Channels Television's Politics Today, expressed disappointment at Badenoch's description of his upbringing in Nigeria and his repeated negative statements about the country.
“How can the daughter of a UNILAG professor (her father was a doctor), a girl who went to UNILAG international school, make it look like she was selling groundnuts and water in Lagos to advance her political career?” Akinyemi questioned.
He emphasized that Badenoch's comments, intended to align with his political narrative, were a betrayal of his heritage.
“He would soon learn that people and culture should not be left aside in order to advance in his career,” he added.
Akinyemi's comments come in the wake of backlash Badenoch has faced in Nigeria for his remarks about his homeland.
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Badenoch described Nigeria as a corrupt and insecure socialist nation, criticized the police and highlighted the poverty he allegedly endured while growing up in Lagos.
Recently, Badenoch sparked further controversy by claiming that Nigeria “destroys lives” and citing his personal experiences of hardship to warn against similar governance in the UK.
“I returned to the UK at 16 with my father's last £100 in the hope of a better life,” Badenoch said, referring to his family's financial problems.
However, Akinyemi dismissed this narrative and urged her to focus on restoring the reputation of the Conservative Party rather than attacking its birthplace.
He warned him against using Nigeria as a scapegoat for political gain, saying: “You are making a mistake, but you will soon learn.”