NIGERIA: Femi Fani-Kayode Rebukes UK Minister Kemi Badenoch Over Comments On Nigerian Heritage

Utebor Paul, Nigeria 

In a strongly worded response, Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Nigerian Minister of Aviation, has condemned Kemi Badenoch, the United Kingdom’s Minister for Business and Trade, over her remarks on her Nigerian heritage.

Recall that Badenoch, the UK Secretary of State for Business and Trade, reportedly shared her hopes for the UK, saying, “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.”

Reacting In his statement he made on X, Fani-Kayode referred to Badenoch as a “stupid little girl” and accused her of holding a “notoriously self-righteous” attitude. 

He further suggested that she ought to have stayed in Nigeria to contribute towards its development rather than, in his words, “running away” and criticising the nation from abroad.

“You are worse than Aunty Jemima, the female version of Uncle Tom,” he said, invoking terms that are often associated with accusations of betraying one’s ethnic heritage to assimilate or advance in a different society.

Fani-Kayode went on to suggest that while Badenoch could continue her pursuits within the British Conservative Party, she should refrain from making disparaging comments about Nigeria. “Leave my country out of your pretty yet stinking mouth,” he added.