Speaking at an event in Abuja on Monday, VP Shettima had criticized Badenoch, suggesting she could disassociate herself from her Nigerian heritage if she was not proud of it. “She is entitled to her own opinions. She has even every right to remove the Kemi from her name, but that does not underscore the fact that the greatest black nation on earth is the nation called Nigeria,” Shettima said, to applause from the audience. The name “Kemi” is of Yoruba origin, commonly found in South-West Nigeria.
In response to Shettima’s remarks, Badenoch, addressing reporters on Wednesday, December 11, maintained her stance and refused to retract her previous statements. “I tell the truth. I tell it like it is. I am not going to couch my words. I am the leader of the opposition, and I am very proud of my leadership of the opposition in this country. I am not the PR for Nigeria,” Badenoch stated emphatically.
The exchange has sparked discussions on the intersection of heritage, identity, and political leadership, with both figures standing firm in their positions. Badenoch, who was born in London to Nigerian parents and spent part of her childhood in Lagos, has often been candid about her views on various issues, earning both praise and criticism.
