Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has called on Vice President Kashim Shettima to prioritize addressing Nigeria’s pressing issues rather than engaging in a public dispute with Kemi Badenoch, the leader of the UK’s Conservative Party.
Badenoch, who was born to Yoruba parents and spent part of her childhood in Nigeria, has faced backlash from Nigerians over her recent remarks describing the country as plagued by corruption and insecurity. She also stated that she identifies more with her Yoruba heritage than with the Nigerian state. Her comments prompted Shettima to publicly criticize her for “constantly denigrating” her homeland.
In a statement released on Sunday, Igboho defended Badenoch, arguing that her observations mirror the realities of Nigeria’s systemic issues. He called on President Bola Tinubu, himself of Yoruba descent, to urge the Vice President to focus on his constitutional responsibilities rather than what he described as unnecessary verbal exchanges.
“It is incumbent on President Bola Tinubu to direct Vice President Shettima to concentrate on resolving Nigeria’s numerous challenges instead of engaging in a war of words with Kemi Badenoch,” Igboho stated.
He criticized Shettima for diverting attention from critical issues like economic hardship, widespread poverty, and escalating insecurity.
“Majority of Nigerians are enduring severe poverty and insecurity, yet the Federal Government remains clueless in finding solutions,” Igboho said. “Instead of addressing these concerns, the Vice President is wasting energy on Badenoch, whose remarks reflect Nigeria’s undeniable struggles.”
Igboho also reflected on his own persecution during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, linking it to his advocacy against violence attributed to Fulani herders.
“Because of my agitation against the destruction of farmlands, killings, and sexual violence by Fulani herders during Buhari’s tenure, security agents raided my residence on July 1, 2021, killing two people and arresting 13 others,” he recounted.
The activist maintained that Badenoch’s remarks were not offensive but an honest critique of Nigeria’s governance and corruption. He emphasized that she had done no wrong in identifying as Yoruba and speaking about the country’s challenges.
“Badenoch, proclaiming her true identity as Yoruba, has committed no offence. The Vice President should focus on his responsibilities rather than chasing shadows,” Igboho concluded.
