Nigerian-born Dutch businessman, Dr. Wiebe Boer, has criticised UK opposition leader, Kemi Badenoch over her public declaration that she no longer identifies as Nigerian, calling the stance “deeply problematic” and a damaging message about heritage and representation.
Boer, who was born and raised in Nigeria before acquiring Dutch citizenship, expressed his concerns in a LinkedIn post on Friday, stressing that Nigeria remains an integral part of his personal and professional identity, regardless of where he lives or works.
Badenoch, born in the UK to Nigerian parents, revealed on the Rosebud podcast with Gyles Brandreth that she had not renewed her Nigerian passport in more than two decades and no longer considered herself Nigerian.
“I’m Nigerian through ancestry, by birth, but by identity I’m not really,” Badenoch said, adding that while she knows the country well and maintains family ties, she no longer claims it as part of her identity.
In response, Boer wrote:
“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.
“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 argued that major global leaders, such as Barack Obama and Rishi Sunak, have never disavowed their ancestral heritage, even when their political platforms were focused entirely on other countries.
“I’ve never heard Obama disown Kenya or Indonesia. I’ve never heard Sunak distance himself from his Indian or East African roots.
“In fact, embracing Nigerian identity has never been more relevant in the UK,” he said, pointing to the influence of Nigerians in sports, film, music, politics, literature, religion, and business.
He listed England 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 as examples of Nigerian excellence recognised worldwide.
Boer also pointed out Nigerian-founded or Nigerian-led firms with significant UK footprints, such as Helios Investment Partners, IHS Towers, Seplat Energy, and Guaranty Trust Bank, noting their contributions to jobs, investment, and innovation.
“You can critique a country without renouncing it. Choosing to distance yourself from Nigeria sends a message, and for those of us who understand its complexity, beauty, and resilience, it stings,” Boer concluded, adding: “I will always claim Nigeria. Everyday, everywhere.”
