By Maikudi Sunusi
In her recent remarks, Rt. Hon. Kemi Badenoch, the acting UK Conservative Party Leader, reportedly dismissed associations with Nigeria beyond her Yoruba heritage, distancing herself from Northern Nigeria and associating it narrowly with Islamism. These comments, replete with historical ignorance and political misjudgment, reflect poorly on her understanding of the intertwined histories of Britain and Nigeria, and by extension, her role as a leader in one of the world’s oldest democracies.
It is troubling that Badenoch, a figure who aspires to statesmanship, would exhibit such a parochial view of her heritage and of the complex relationship between the United Kingdom and Northern Nigeria. Her remarks not only betray an ignorance of British colonial history but also reflect a failure to grasp the significance of global citizenship—an essential quality for anyone seeking to lead in a post-imperial world.
Misunderstanding History
Badenoch’s attempt to disassociate herself from Northern Nigeria exposes a glaring lack of awareness about the rich and diverse history of the region. Long before colonialism, Northern Nigeria boasted a sophisticated socio-political structure, exemplified by the Sokoto Caliphate and other emirates. These entities maintained written records, produced scholarly works in Arabic, and upheld organized systems of governance.
British colonial explorers and missionaries documented these structures extensively. Figures like Hugh Clapperton, Mungo Park, and Frederick Lugard not only traveled through Northern Nigeria but also admired its systems of governance. The British colonial administration, recognizing the efficacy of Northern Nigeria’s traditional leadership, adopted the system of indirect rule to govern the region. This is a testament to the historical and administrative depth of the region—a depth Badenoch seems to have overlooked.
Furthermore, the Christian missionaries who ventured into Northern Nigeria risked their lives not to trivialize or divide, but to understand and engage with its people. Their contributions are preserved in archives that form part of Britain’s collective memory. To deny or dismiss this history is not only ignorant but disrespectful to the legacy of British-Nigerian relations.
A Failure of Diplomacy
As a leader in a global power, Badenoch is expected to demonstrate diplomatic acumen and cultural sensitivity. Her dismissive remarks, however, suggest a narrow worldview that is unbecoming of someone in her position. Britain’s legacy as the patron of the Commonwealth—a union of diverse nations shaped by shared history—requires its leaders to embody inclusivity and understanding.
By distancing herself from Northern Nigeria in such a derogatory manner, Badenoch undermines her credibility. Her comments seem less like the musings of a seasoned statesperson and more like pandering to fringe nationalist sentiments. Was she addressing British society, which has long recognized and documented the importance of Northern Nigeria? Or was she appealing to a clandestine audience of Yoruba nationalist agitators? Either way, her remarks reveal a political novice more concerned with short-term rhetoric than long-term statesmanship.
The Irony of Her Position
Badenoch’s position as a British politician of Nigerian descent is itself a product of the historical forces she now dismisses. Her parents, like many others from former colonies, benefited from the opportunities created by Britain’s imperial legacy. She was born in London, a city shaped by centuries of global migration and colonial history. Ironically, the very system she now seeks to lead is a product of the multiculturalism and interconnectedness she seems to reject.
It is also worth noting that Badenoch’s rise to prominence coincides with the UK’s struggles with political leadership. The Conservative Party’s internal crises have eroded its cadre of charismatic leaders, paving the way for figures like Badenoch. Yet her divisive rhetoric and lack of historical understanding only serve to alienate mature voters and diminish her standing as a potential statesperson.
Populism and the Far-Right Trap
While Badenoch may be tempted to align herself with the growing populist and far-right ideologies in Europe, she is ultimately a victim of these movements, not a beneficiary. The same far-right ideologies that demonize immigrants and minorities would not spare someone of her background. Her attempts to position herself as “more Catholic than the Pope” by demonizing others only highlight her vulnerability within such spaces.
Conclusion
Rt. Hon. Kemi Badenoch’s recent remarks reveal a troubling ignorance of both British and Nigerian history. Her attempt to distance herself from Northern Nigeria not only disrespects the region’s rich heritage but also undermines her credibility as a leader in a globalized world. Her rhetoric, steeped in parochialism and divisiveness, stands in stark contrast to the qualities of diplomacy, wisdom, and inclusivity required of a true statesperson.
Rather than deriding others, Badenoch would do well to reflect on the interconnected histories of the nations she represents and aspire to a leadership style that unites rather than divides. As history has shown, those who fail to learn from the past are often relegated to its margins. Let her words serve as a reminder of the perils of ignorance and the importance of informed leadership in a complex, interconnected world.
Sanusi Maikudi
Network for Justice
Kaduna Nigeria
