Beware of the oyinbo

Last week I wrote about the ‘Afroyinbo’ tag I assumed circa 2009 and what being an Afroyinbo entails including a deep appreciation of the multiple stories of the African continent and its people and a mistrust of those who perpetuate the single story.
 
Being an Afroyinbo can sometimes land you in trouble. As you feel such an honorary citizen of the country that bestowed on you your ‘African white’ status that you often forget you are actually white and freely discuss the shortcomings of your beloved adopted homeland. I have in many a case had to stop myself ranting and raving as a patriotic Nigerian would in that half affectionate half frustrated manner people assume when talking about the shortcomings of an otherwise much beloved land. Much like I would talk about my own homeland.
 
Midway through a rant about the pot holes that turn into swimming pools on the roads of Lekki in the rainy season, or fuel scarcity in the run up to Christmas or that in the 21st century there are parts of Lagos that have not had power for the last two years, I remember I am in the company of Nigerians and that those who do not know me may genuinely feel I am turning up my nose at their beloved country and that I may be just one the regular ‘oyinbo’.