Kemi Badenoch’s identification of her heritage as “Yoruba, not Nigerian” is a profound assertion that challenges the imposed narratives of African identity shaped by colonial constructs. Her statement underscores a broader truth about the complexities of African identity and the arbitrary nature of colonial boundaries that fragmented cohesive ethnic groups into incompatible political entities.
Colonial Constructs and Gerrymandered Nations
The creation of countries like Nigeria was not grounded in cultural or historical realities but rather in the economic and political interests of colonial powers. For example, the Hausa people, whose cultural and linguistic influence extends across Niger, Chad, and the Sahel, represent a cohesive unit. Yet, they were divided into separate nations alongside other ethnic groups, diluting their historical and cultural identity.
This artificial segmentation of African peoples into "complete packages" such as Nigeria was based on the erroneous assumption that Africans had no history or identity before the arrival of Europeans. This flawed narrative persists in Western historiography, where explorers like Mungo Park are credited with “discovering” rivers like the Niger—features that indigenous communities had long known and lived alongside.
The Yoruba Perspective
Kemi Badenoch’s identification with the Yoruba people rather than the Nigerian state reflects a deeper understanding of her heritage and its historical significance. Her father, Dr. Olufemi Adegoke, was a staunch advocate of Yoruba identity and autonomy. As the leader of Voice of Reason, a Yoruba socio-political organization affiliated with Afenifere, he actively worked towards safeguarding Yoruba interests in a politically hostile Nigeria.
Dr. Adegoke’s vision for the Yoruba Nation was shaped by his involvement in critical discussions about the future of the Yoruba within Nigeria. In 2021, during the formation of the Yoruba World Congress, he and other leaders deliberated on strategies to navigate the socio-political minefield created by the Buhari administration. These discussions centered on restructuring, regionalism, and self-determination as pathways to securing Yoruba survival and progress.
While some leaders leaned towards regionalism or restructuring, Dr. Adegoke's evolving stance eventually aligned with the call for full sovereignty. He believed that reclaiming the developmental strides of the Yoruba in the 1950s and 1960s required severing ties with Nigeria—a construct he saw as a colonial enterprise that stifled Yoruba potential.
Kemi Badenoch’s Legacy
Kemi Badenoch’s fiery directness and clarity of thought can be traced to her father’s legacy. Her distinction between being Yoruba and Nigerian is not just a personal sentiment but a reflection of a historical truth. For over 11,000 years, Yoruba civilization thrived long before the creation of Nigeria, and it will endure long after its dissolution, whether peaceful or forced.
Her leadership as a prominent figure in British politics and her unapologetic embrace of her Yoruba heritage serve as a beacon for the Yoruba people. It reinforces the idea that identity and self-determination are paramount in the quest for progress and dignity.
The Way Forward
As the Yoruba people navigate the challenges of a fractured Nigeria, the lessons from leaders like Dr. Adegoke and the boldness of figures like Kemi Badenoch serve as reminders of the importance of self-awareness and unity. Every ethnic group must prioritize its identity and heritage, recognizing that its future lies not in the preservation of Nigeria but in the reclamation of its sovereignty.
To those who prioritize Nigeria over ethnic identity, history offers a stark warning: nations built on false premises are unsustainable. Ethnic groups must remain steadfast in their pursuit of self-determination, ensuring that their heritage and aspirations take precedence over the fragile construct of Nigeria.
In the end, Kemi Badenoch’s poignant identification with her Yoruba roots challenges all of us to reevaluate our identity and allegiance. It is a call to remember that before Nigeria and after Nigeria, there is and will always be the enduring legacy of your ethnic group.
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