Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, former Lagos governorship candidate, responded to comments by UK Conservative Party Leader Kemi Badenoch, who recently labeled reparations in Africa as a “scam.” Badenoch, in a widely circulated video, mentioned a conversation with a foreign minister who argued that former colonial powers should offer reparations and support for development. She dismissed such arguments, stating, “These arguments are a scam. Don’t fall for it. We need to make sure we put this country first, work well with our neighbors and other countries, but we have to look after ourselves.”

Rhodes-Vivour questioned whether Badenoch would hold the same stance if she were of Israeli-British descent, implying a different perspective might apply given the history of reparations for certain groups. He emphasized the historical wrongs inflicted on Africa, stressing that the continent deserves justice but must also work actively to claim it.

In a post on his official page, Rhodes-Vivour wrote, “A grave injustice has been committed against the African continent, but we must do the work to be entitled to justice and to earn a seat at the table. This requires visionary leadership, unconventional thinking, and sacrificing looting in pursuit of greatness. We must start the work of building our own table.” His comments reflect a call for African nations to focus on internal development while still advocating for global accountability.

You can click on the link to the video here and start watching from 0.11.