David Olusoga, the British-Nigerian historian, writer, broadcaster, and BAFTA-winning filmmaker, has addressed criticism regarding his acceptance of an Order of the British Empire (OBE) honor. Olusoga was awarded the OBE by Queen Elizabeth in 2019 in recognition of his contributions to history and community integration.

Despite the accolade, Olusoga revealed that he has faced disparaging comments related to his heritage and skin color. He specifically called out "privileged white middle-class people" who have questioned his decision to accept the honor. According to Olusoga, critics often fail to appreciate the significance of the award from the perspective of someone with an immigrant background.

At 56 years old, Olusoga emphasized that the experience of receiving such recognition differs markedly depending on an individual's background and lived experiences. He suggested that for many immigrants, the implications and meanings tied to honors like the OBE are more nuanced than those assumed by some of his detractors.

Olusoga’s response highlights ongoing debates about the symbolism and legacy of British imperial honors, particularly in the context of Britain’s colonial history and how it intersects with race and identity today. His remarks contribute to a larger conversation about how individuals from diverse backgrounds navigate recognition within institutions tied to historical power structures.