- Femi Fani-Kayode criticized Kemi Badenoch for her comments on Nigerian police theft, questioning her trust in British police amid allegations
- He accused Badenoch of hypocrisy, highlighting her privileged upbringing while mocking her claims about Nigeria’s conditions and her support for Israel
Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode (FFK), has launched a fresh critique of Kemi Badenoch, the Nigerian-born leader of the British Conservative Party, over her disparaging remarks about Nigeria and its institutions.
Badenoch, who holds British citizenship, recently accused Nigerian police officers of stealing her brother’s wristwatch and shoes, citing the incident as a defense of UK policing.
Her comments have drawn widespread criticism, including from Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima, who suggested she drop “Kemi” from her name if she feels ashamed of her Nigerian roots.
Responding via a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, Fani-Kayode questioned the irony of Badenoch trusting British police while relying on Nigerian police to protect her mother in Lagos.
“She claims to trust British police and accuses Nigerian policemen of theft. Yet, she ignores that British police are among the most institutionally racist and corrupt globally,” Fani-Kayode wrote.
He highlighted the plight of black people in the UK, including Nigerians, who he said face discrimination, wrongful prosecution, and violence. He also criticized Badenoch’s alleged hypocrisy.
“Why does she insist on Nigerian police protecting her mother in Lagos if she believes they are thieves? Why not bring her trusted British policemen to do the job?” he added sarcastically.
Fani-Kayode further mocked Badenoch, accusing her of making exaggerated claims about her upbringing in Nigeria.
He pointed out that her assertion of lizards running from taps and lack of running water was untrue, given her privileged upbringing in Victoria Island, Lagos, one of the city’s most affluent areas.
Additionally, the former minister criticized her support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza and her alleged labelling of Northern Nigerians as Boko Haram terrorists.
“She claims to support Israel while dismissing the plight of Palestinians and even calls Northern Nigerians terrorists. These statements show a complete lack of regard for the truth,” he concluded.
Fani-Kayode’s remarks come amid an increasing backlash against Badenoch’s controversial comments and her perceived detachment from her Nigerian heritage.