King Charles Draws Praise For Using Nigerian Street Phrase At Banquet For Tinubu

King Charles III, stunned his audience/guests at a state banquet for President Bola Tinubu by code switching to Nigerian languages, especially the popular pidgin English, when he declared “Naija No Dey Carry Last.”

The banquet, held at Windsor Castle, brought together senior officials, business leaders and cultural figures from both countries, underscoring deepening diplomatic and economic ties.

The King began his opening remarks in Yoruba, saying, “Ẹ káàbọ, sé dáadáa ni” (Welcome, how are you?), drawing laughter and applause from the audience.

King Charles also made reference to a Yoruba proverb on unity, an Igbo saying about knowledge, and a Hausa idiom highlighting change, showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity.

The monarch referenced the Hausa saying which goes, “when the music changes, so does the dance” and cited the Igbo saying which reads, “Knowledge is never complete, two heads are better than one”.

He further code switched to the Pidgin English, a popular variety spoken in the West African country when he declared, “Naija No Dey Carry Last!”

In his address, King Charles III further praised Nigeria’s global influence, describing it as a major economic and cultural force, while acknowledging the long-standing historical ties between both countries.

He described the relationship between both nations as built on mutual respect and shared progress.

“Britain and the former British colony have a deep bond and a partnership of equals that has brought us both enormous benefits.

“Nigeria is an economic powerhouse. It has not merely changed, it has arrived,” he said, adding that “Nigeria is investing in Britain’s future as much as Britain is investing in Nigeria’s.”

In his response, Tinubu said:“our

people remain the strongest bridge between our two countries,” he said, pointing to their impact in healthcare, sports, and beyond.

“Our two nations share a vision of progress based on mutual respect and common values,” President Tinubu added, noting he was the first Nigerian leader to speak at Windsor Castle.