James Akinwande responds to Kemi Badenoch’s Nigeria criticism with a symbolic gesture of shoes and a wristwatch in the UK
[dropcap]J[/dropcap]ames Akinwande, a Nigerian residing in the United Kingdom, has taken a symbolic stand against remarks made by Kemi Badenoch, leader of the UK Conservative Party, regarding an alleged incident involving the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
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Badenoch, during a recent interview, accused certain officers of the NPF of stealing her brother’s shoes and wristwatch, an incident she described as reflective of systemic issues within the force. She further criticised the Nigerian police, stating, “giving people a gun is just a licence to intimidate.”
Badenoch, born Olukemi Adegoke to Nigerian Yoruba parents, spent part of her upbringing in Nigeria before returning to the UK at the age of 16. She later married a Scottish banker, which led to her adopting her current surname.
Despite her Nigerian roots, Badenoch has often voiced sharp criticism of Nigeria’s leadership and societal structures, drawing mixed reactions. While some admire her boldness, others, including Nigerian Vice-President Kashim Shettima, have rebuked her for “constantly denigrating” her homeland.
Akinwande responded to Badenoch’s allegations with a unique gesture. In a video shared widely on social media, he visited a UK shop and purchased a new pair of shoes and a wristwatch as symbolic replacements for the items allegedly stolen from Badenoch’s brother.
He then proceeded to the UK Conservative Party headquarters, where he handed the items to security personnel at the pedestrian gate, requesting they be delivered to Badenoch.
Concluding his video, Akinwande addressed Nigerians with the statement: “On behalf of every proud Nigerian who felt genuinely hurt by those unfounded disparaging remarks about The Nigerian Police. We ‘buy back’ the stolen shoes and watch! (I hope it fits, tho..).”
The gesture, though lighthearted, resonated deeply with many Nigerians who viewed it as a defence of their country’s image.
Akinwande, who describes himself as a legal representative, golfer, and international manager to Nigerian music-comedian Kenny Blaq, has a history of working with notable Nigerian entertainers, including AY Makun and Woli Arole.
His video has sparked widespread discussion on social media, with users debating Badenoch’s comments and Akinwande’s symbolic protest.
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While Badenoch’s criticism of Nigeria has earned her both admiration and condemnation, Akinwande’s response highlights the pride and resilience of Nigerians in defending their homeland’s reputation.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
