₦airaland Forum

PALACE 'RACE' ROW Buckingham Palace staffer accused of racism over guest Ngozi Fulani’s visit and ‘asking her “where are you from?”‘

Matt Wilkinson. Alice Fuller
Published: 11:54, 30 Nov 2022. Updated: 12:02, 30 Nov 2022

A STAFF member at Buckingham Palace has been accused of racism after asking a guest: "Where are you really from?"

The royal household employee allegedly quizzed Ngozi Fulani over her nationality at a reception yesterday.

Ngozi, who was born in Britain, attended the event on behalf of domestic abuse charity Sistah Space to mark the UN's 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.

While it was honour to be there, she says she was horrified when a Palace staffer approached her, moved her hair to see her name badge and asked: "Where do your people come from?"

The woman repeatedly questioned what part of Africa she was from and when she first came to the UK, Ngozi claims.

She said the experience, just 10 minutes after arriving, left her with "mixed feelings" about the royal visit.

Ngozi went on to blast the "trauma" of the alleged incident, and described how she felt "insulted" by the ordeal.

Responding to shocked pals on Twitter, she also posted thanks to "all those who have sent such beautiful messages of support".

The Palace is investigating the damaging claims which come 18 months after Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stunned the world alleging a member of the royal family made racist remarks about the colour of their son Archie's skin.

The shock new race row threatens to overshadow the event in which the Queen Consort delivered a powerful speech calling to tackle domestic violence - a cause she has been campaigning for years.

Camilla asked assembled guests to use the "precious opportunity to speak up and galvanise action" to halt rape and domestic abuse.

Joined by Her Majesty Queen Mathilde of the Belgians, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan, Her Royal Highness The Crown Princess of Denmark and the Countess of Wessex in the Picture Gallery of the palace, she set out her hopes for a future without gender-based violence.

The reception included around 300 guests - campaigners, politicians and celebrity ambassadors - to draw attention to the ongoing crisis.

Guests of honour included Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of the Ukraine, there to boost awareness about the scourge of sexual violence in conflict, experienced in her own country, she said, by the rape of women and girls at the hands of invading Russian soldiers.

Mixed feelings about yesterday's visit to Buckingham Palace. 10 mins after arriving, a member of staff, Lady SH, approached me, moved my hair to see my name badge. The conversation below took place. The rest of the event is a blur.
Thanks @ManduReid & @SuzanneEJacob for support

Staff member: Where are you from?

Ngozi Fulani: Sistah Space.

Staff member: No, where do you come from?

Ngozi Fulani: We're based in Hackney.

Staff member: No, what part of Africa are you from?

Ngozi Fulani: I don't know, they didn't leave any records.

Staff member: Well, you must know you're from. I spent time in France/ Where are you from?

Ngozi Fulani: Here, the UK.Staff member: No, but what nationality are you?

Ngozi Fulani: I was born here and am British.

Staff member: No, but where do you really come from? Where do you people come from?

Ngozi Fulani: 'My people?' Lady, what is this?

Staff member: Oh, I can see I'm going to have a challenge getting you to say where you're from. When did you first come here?

Ngozi Fulani: Lady! I am a British national. My parents came here in the 50s.

Staff member: Oh, I knew we'd get there in the end. You're Caribbean.

Ngozi Fulani: No lady, I am of African heritage, Caribbean descent and British nationality.

Staff member: Oh, so you're from...

Sodiq Olamide Yusuff (born May 19, 1993) is a Nigerian–American mixed martial artist who competes in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the Featherweight division. As of October 24, 2022, he is #11 in the UFC featherweight rankings.

Background

Being born in Lagos, Nigeria, his father is from Ibadan while my mum was also born in Lagos. He grew up in a polygamist community, with his father having four wives, and the four of them lived together as a unit. Yusuff claims he is one of 16 children in the family, with four siblings with his birth mother. When he was nine years old, his mother took him and his younger brother to the United States. His extended family has never visited the United States and is still living in Nigeria, having a hard time getting visas.

Yusuff attributed his fascination in battle during his formative years to Anime, which led to his MMA career.

Mixed martial arts career

Early career

At Shogun Fights 14, where he made his MMA debut, he defeated Alvin Mercer by second-round TKO. Yusuff won against his next three opponents, including Chuka Willis and John Ramirez. Then, in round one of CFFC 66, he eliminated Vladim Ogar. At Titan FC 47, he competed against Luis Gomez for the Featherweight Championship and was defeated in the opening frame. At Brave CF 10, Yusuff won his lone fight with Brave Combat Federation by first-round TKO over Ireland's Dylan Tuke.

Dana White's Tuesday Night Contender Series

Yusuff appeared on Dana White's Contender Series 14 on July 24, 2018, facing Mike Davis. He won the fight via unanimous decision. With this win, Yusuff was awarded a contract by the UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Yusuff made his UFC debut on December 2, 2018 at UFC Fight Night: dos Santos vs. Tuivasa against Suman Mokhtarian. He won the fight via technical knockout in round one.

Yusuff's second fight came on March 30, 2019 at Philadelphia, facing Sheymon Moraes, at UFC on ESPN 2. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Yusuff faced Gabriel Benítez on August 17, 2019 at UFC 241. He won the fight via knockout in round one.

Yusuff faced Andre Fili on January 18, 2020 at UFC 246. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Yusuff was expected to face Edson Barboza on October 11, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 179. However, Yusuff pulled out of the fight on September 22 for undisclosed reasons.

Yusuff faced Arnold Allen on April 10, 2021 at UFC on ABC 2. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Yusuff faced Alex Caceres on March 12, 2022 at UFC Fight Night 203. Utilizing leg kicks throughout the bout, Yusuff won the bout via unanimous decision.

Yusuff was scheduled to face Giga Chikadze on September 17, 2022 at UFC Fight Night 210.[24] However, the week before the event, Chikadze withdrew for due to injury and the bout was cancelled.

Sodiq Yusuff faced Don Shainis October 1, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 211. He submitted Shainis via guillotine choke 30 seconds into the bout.

Personal life

Yusuff became a U.S. citizen during the training camp for his fight at UFC 246 against Andre Fili.

What an honor it was to meet such a brave and powerful person like @AishaYesufu today �������� My mom was also super excited. It was an honor

It was a pleasure to meet @PeterObi and I want to publicly show my support for Mr. Obi our future president and the change Nigeria needs! To my brothers and sisters back home, get out and vote! It is crucial for all of us

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJjnfsUMqQE

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