Nigerian activist Aisha Yesufu has strongly criticized Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK Conservative Party, following her controversial comments on colonialism and reparations.
Badenoch recently dismissed the idea of repatriation for colonialism as a “scam,” sparking widespread backlash.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Yesufu, co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) advocacy group, challenged Badenoch’s remarks, accusing her of ignoring the painful history faced by nations like Nigeria under colonial rule.
Yesufu argued that the wealth of the United Kingdom was built on the exploitation and suffering of colonized people, calling Badenoch’s comments dismissive and disconnected from reality.
“United Kingdom grew on the back of people’s pain and anguish. Looted kingdoms, destroyed systems, and killed people, and Kemi says their wealth isn’t from people’s pain,” Yesufu wrote.
She further criticized Badenoch for focusing on personal grievances, particularly an incident where her brother’s shoes were allegedly stolen by a Nigerian policeman, while urging others to “move on” from the past. “Kemi Badenoch… is still hung up that a policeman stole her brother’s shoes!” Yesufu remarked.
Yesufu concluded by asserting that Badenoch, despite her Nigerian heritage, is not truly connected to Nigeria. “She is not Nigerian, and we get it!”
Badenoch’s comments have reignited debates over colonialism, reparations, and the responsibility of political figures of African descent in confronting historical wrongs. While some have accused her of aligning with Western narratives, others defend her stance as a pragmatic approach to global issues.
Badenoch, a rising figure in British politics, has faced criticism for her views on race, colonial history, and her relationship with her Nigerian roots. While some celebrate her as a symbol of diversity, others question her commitment to addressing the legacies of colonialism and systemic injustice.