Nigerian-born Dutch businessman, Dr. Wiebe Boer, has publicly criticised UK opposition leader Kemi Badenoch for her declaration that she no longer identifies as Nigerian. In a strong statement, Boer described Badenoch’s stance as “deeply problematic” and argued that it sends a damaging message about heritage and representation.
The controversy arose after Badenoch, who was born in the UK to Nigerian parents, stated on the Rosebud podcast with Gyles Brandreth that she has not renewed her Nigerian passport in over two decades and no longer considers herself Nigerian by identity. “I’m Nigerian through ancestry, by birth, but by identity I’m not really,” Badenoch said, adding that while she maintains family ties, she no longer claims Nigeria as part of her personal identity.
In a follow-up LinkedIn post on Friday, Dr. Boer, who was born and raised in Nigeria before acquiring Dutch citizenship, expressed his disappointment. He stressed that Nigeria remains an integral part of his own personal and professional identity, regardless of where he lives or works.
“As a proud Nigerian-born and raised Dutchman, I claim Nigeria anywhere and everywhere, from boardrooms in Amsterdam to classrooms in Michigan and hospitals in Guyana,” Boer wrote. “Nigeria is part of the engine that drives who I am. So, hearing that Kemi Badenoch has chosen to disassociate from Nigeria was deeply disappointing.”
Boer pointed to other prominent global leaders, such as Barack Obama and Rishi Sunak, who have never disavowed their ancestral heritage, even while their political focus remains on their countries of residence. “I’ve never heard Obama disown Kenya or Indonesia. I’ve never heard Sunak distance himself from his Indian or East African roots,” he stated.
He further argued that embracing Nigerian identity has never been more relevant in the UK, highlighting the significant influence of Nigerians in various fields. He listed well-known figures like footballers Bukayo Saka, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze; actors Chiwetel Ejiofor, Cynthia Erivo, and David Oyelowo; musicians Seal, Sade, and Dave; boxing champion Anthony Joshua; and Booker Prize-winning author Ben Okri.
Boer also cited the contributions of Nigerian-founded and Nigerian-led companies with major UK footprints, including Helios Investment Partners, IHS Towers, Seplat Energy, and Guaranty Trust Bank, noting their positive impact on jobs, investment, and innovation.
“You can critique a country without renouncing it,” Boer concluded. “Choosing to distance yourself from Nigeria sends a message, and for those of us who understand its complexity, beauty, and resilience, it stings. I will always claim Nigeria. Everyday, everywhere.”
