UK Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has sparked controversy with her latest remarks on her national identity. In a podcast interview released on August 1, 2025, she acknowledged her Nigerian ancestry and Yoruba roots but stated that she does not identify as Nigerian. Badenoch explained that she has not renewed a Nigerian passport in over 20 years and feels her identity is firmly tied to the United Kingdom.
Her comments have drawn sharp criticism from Nigerian officials and members of the public. Vice-President Kashim Shettima openly questioned her pride in her heritage, drawing comparisons to other political leaders of immigrant descent, such as Rishi Sunak, who celebrate their cultural roots. The backlash has been amplified on social media, with many accusing Badenoch of distancing herself from Nigeria for political advantage.
This is not the first time Badenoch’s remarks about Nigeria have stirred debate. Earlier this year, she claimed Nigerian women cannot pass citizenship to their children, a statement that legal experts and activists quickly refuted as inaccurate. That controversy, coupled with her latest declaration, has fueled questions about her understanding and representation of her heritage.
Badenoch’s stance has reignited broader discussions about the complex relationship between heritage and identity, particularly for public figures navigating multicultural backgrounds in Western politics. For some, her comments are a personal truth; for others, they are a calculated move to reinforce her political positioning in the UK.
