Why the British Should Have Stayed in Nigeria for Another 10–15 Years – Billionaire's Son, Kiddwaya

Why the British Should Have Stayed in Nigeria for Another 10–15 Years – Billionaire's Son, Kiddwaya

The controversial remark was made during a recent podcast interview where Kiddwaya, whose real name is Terseer Waya, discussed Nigeria's political trajectory and his father's supposed role in shaping the country's democracy.

In his now-viral comments, Kiddwaya argued that the British departure in 1960 left Nigeria unprepared for self-governance, claiming that an extended colonial period would have allowed for better infrastructure, stronger institutions, and a more stable political system.

The statement has drawn sharp criticism from Nigerians who view it as a dismissal of the country's struggle for independence and a romanticisation of colonial oppression.

This is not the first time Kiddwaya has made controversial historical claims. During the same interview, he also claimed that his billionaire father, Terry Waya, was secretly the foundational architect of Nigeria's modern democracy, asserting that the elder Waya advised General Abdulsalami Abubakar to transition to civilian rule in 1998 after the death of General Sani Abacha.

The claim has been widely debunked by historians and political analysts, who point to decades of activism, international pressure, and the efforts of pro-democracy groups like NADECO as the true drivers of Nigeria's return to civilian rule.

Kiddwaya has consistently positioned himself as a defender of Nigerian culture, previously expressing concerns that the country is losing its identity to Western influences.

He has said, "One of my biggest fears is Nigeria losing its identity. What does a Nigerian look like? Yes, they put on agbada. But the younger Nigerian looks American. We are losing it. We need to be mindful of that".

He has also spoken about his goal of protecting Afrobeats from what he described as "white culture vultures" who seek to exploit the genre . Yet his latest comments appear to contradict his stated commitment to Nigerian identity.

His background further complicates his rhetoric. Kiddwaya, who holds an Irish passport and has openly praised his mother for securing it for him, has previously said that "the UK is a big part of me" and that "British culture plays a big role in who 'Kidd' is today".

He also caused a stir when he expressed interest in joining 250 British millionaires to buy an island and establish a new British colony.

His admiration for British institutions and his dismissal of Nigeria's own capabilities have led many to question his commitment to the country he claims to represent.

The backlash to his colonial comments has been swift, with many Nigerians accusing him of arrogance and a deep disconnect from the realities faced by ordinary citizens.

The statement has also reignited debates about the lingering influence of colonialism in Nigerian institutions and the persistent admiration for Western governance models among some of the country's elites.

As the controversy continues to unfold, Kiddwaya has not issued a retraction or apology, leaving many to wonder whether his remarks were a calculated provocation or a genuine reflection of his beliefs.