Kemi Badenoch, the British Conservative leader born to Nigerian parents, has recently been in the spotlight on social media. Her comments about Nigeria sparked widespread discussion, and many people questioned how a Yoruba child could speak so carelessly about her roots.
It is surprising, even ironic, that someone raised by supposedly educated Yoruba parents could display such behavior. In Yoruba culture, we value the concept of Omoluabi, which means being a person of good character, respect, and integrity. Sadly, Kemi seems to lack this, earning her the label omo alaileko—a child without proper upbringing.
When I first heard about Kemi’s background, I was shocked. How could someone born to Yoruba parents lack the core values that define us? This made me reflect on the importance of cultural education. It’s not enough to send our children to good schools. Parents must actively teach them Yoruba values, traditions, and the essence of who we are.
I believe Kemi missed out on crucial life lessons and Yoruba training when she left Nigeria at a young age. If her parents had raised her on Nigerian soil, she might have learned diplomacy, respect for her heritage, and the beauty of Yoruba culture. Instead, her foster upbringing abroad seems to have shaped her personality, likely leaving little room for Yoruba values to take root.
It’s also clear that Kemi has lost touch with her Nigerian roots. If she were connected to her family elders, they might have guided her and corrected some of her behavior. Yoruba elders play a vital role in teaching younger generations the importance of diplomacy and respect in everyday interactions.
Education alone is not enough. Many Yoruba children receive high-quality education, but what sets them apart is their grounding in culture and tradition. Parents must not leave the training of their children to others, especially those from different cultural backgrounds. In Yoruba culture, we say won somo loko—”they threw the child into the wilderness.” This often leads to a loss of identity, as we see in Kemi’s case.
Allowing children to be raised by others, especially outside the Yoruba tribe, is considered eewo—a taboo. The influence of foster parenting can sometimes have negative and lasting effects. Kemi’s situation is a reminder of why parents should take responsibility for raising their children, ensuring they embody Yoruba values wherever they go.
Kemi’s parents also need to reflect on their role. They gave her a good education and opportunities, but did they provide her with the Yoruba foundation she needed? Now that she has adopted a new country and identity, it’s important for her to look beyond her British passport and reconnect with her roots.
Today, with due respect, Kemi represents a version of the Yoruba tribe we are not proud of. She embodies the bad, the ugly, and the forgotten side of our culture. However, I still wish her well in her future endeavors.
There’s an old Yoruba proverb: To bá ń lọ Èdè, má ṣe bà Èdè jẹ—“If you are heading to Èdè (a town in Osun State), don’t destroy Èèdè (your home).” Kemi must remember not to damage her roots while pursuing her ambitions.
May she find her way back to the values and principles that make the Yoruba people proud.
Ire o!
Migaji Wole Arisekola writes from Ibadan.
