President Bola Tinubu has begun a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom, but his official itinerary does not include a formal meeting with Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party.
According to the report, Tinubu arrived in the UK on Wednesday and held engagements with members of the British royal family, including King Charles III and Queen Camilla. He also met with interfaith organisations and attended a state banquet where both he and the monarch delivered speeches.
The Nigerian president is scheduled to meet Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street on Thursday as part of his official engagements.
Traditionally, visiting heads of state to the UK meet not only the prime minister but also the leader of the opposition. However, while Badenoch was present at the state dinner, no formal bilateral meeting between her and Tinubu was arranged.
The development comes amid Badenoch’s long-standing criticism of Nigeria. The UK opposition leader, who is of Nigerian descent, has publicly distanced herself from her ancestral roots and frequently criticised the country’s governance and institutions.
In previous statements, Badenoch described Nigeria as a nation plagued by poor leadership, insecurity, and corruption. She has also shared personal anecdotes alleging misconduct by Nigerian police and difficult living conditions during her upbringing, despite reports of her affluent background.
Her remarks have drawn backlash from Nigerian officials, including Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who accused her of repeatedly denigrating the country.
A spokesperson for Badenoch maintained that she is not focused on promoting Nigeria’s image but rather on addressing issues she believes are relevant to her political stance in the UK.
The report highlights the diplomatic nuance surrounding Tinubu’s visit, particularly given Badenoch’s controversial views on Nigeria and the absence of a formal engagement between both figures.
Credit: TheCable
