Kemi Badenoch, a prominent figure in the Conservative Party, recently opened up about her complex identity journey. Born in the bustling London suburb of Wimbledon, Kemi’s early years were shaped by her Nigerian heritage. Raised in the vibrant city of Lagos, she experienced the rich culture and traditions of her ancestral homeland.
However, when Nigeria faced economic turmoil in the 1990s, Kemi’s life took a significant turn. At just 16 years old, she made the difficult decision to return to the UK to pursue her education. Living with a family friend, she navigated through the challenges of adapting to a new environment while holding onto cherished memories of Nigeria.
In a candid conversation with former MP Gyles Brandreth on the Rosebud podcast, Kemi reflected on her evolving sense of identity. Despite being Nigerian by ancestry and birth due to her parents’ background, she no longer resonates strongly with that part of her heritage.
“I’m Nigerian through ancestry… but by identity I’m not really,”
shared Kemi.
As she delved into her personal history, Kemi revealed that she had let go of her Nigerian passport years ago and considers Britain as her true home now. Her sense of belonging is deeply rooted in her tight-knit family circle, which extends beyond blood relations to encompass her political colleagues within the Conservative Party.
Recalling poignant moments from her past, Kemi highlighted how returning to Nigeria after losing her father posed challenges due to visa complications—a stark contrast to the ease with which she moves around in Britain. These experiences profoundly influenced her perspective on politics and society, shaping her aversion towards socialist ideologies.
Despite distancing herself from certain aspects of Nigerian identity, Kemi maintains a deep connection to the country through family ties and genuine interest in its affairs. She acknowledges Nigeria’s significance in shaping who she is today while emphasizing that home is where one finds love, support, and belonging—qualities abundant in her immediate family unit and political community.
The article touches upon an incident where Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima criticized Kemi for allegedly disparaging their country during discussions about his leadership race—a situation that sparked debates over cultural pride and individual expression.
Leave feedback about this