Bola Tinubu’s official itinerary for his ongoing visit to the United Kingdom does not include a meeting with Kemi Badenoch, despite long-standing diplomatic convention that visiting heads of state engage both the prime minister and the leader of the opposition.
Tinubu arrived in the UK on Wednesday, March 18, for a two-day state visit and, on his first day, met with members of the British royal family, including King Charles III and Queen Camilla, as well as interfaith groups, before attending a state banquet where both leaders delivered speeches.
He is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street on Thursday, March 19. Although Badenoch attended the state banquet, she was not formally listed to meet the Nigerian president during the visit.
The Conservative leader, who is of Nigerian descent, has in recent years distanced herself from her heritage, making several critical remarks about Nigeria’s governance and institutions. She has previously described the country as being affected by poor leadership and insecurity, and has said she does not want similar conditions replicated in the United Kingdom.
Her comments have drawn criticism from Nigerian officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, who accused her of repeatedly speaking negatively about her country of origin. A spokesperson for Badenoch has said she is not interested in promoting what they described as a more favourable image of Nigeria.
The absence of a formal meeting between the two leaders stands out against the backdrop of established diplomatic practice, as Tinubu continues engagements aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
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