The Nigerian Federal Government has clarified that the United Kingdom (UK) did not endorse the petition submitted by Yoruba nation activist, Mr. Sunday Adeyemo, commonly known as Sunday Igboho.
Igboho had earlier called on the UK to consider the creation of an independent Yoruba nation. This clarification was made on Tuesday through a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to the Ministry’s spokesperson, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, media reports about the petition were misleading, leading to false interpretations about the UK’s involvement.
In response to the circulating reports, the British High Commissioner in Abuja was invited to provide clarity on the matter. During the meeting, the High Commissioner expressed concern that the media exaggerated the situation and misrepresented the facts.
The High Commissioner explained that while the petition was indeed delivered to 10 Downing Street, it was part of an established procedure that allows individuals to submit petitions or letters to the UK Prime Minister’s office.
However, he emphasized that this did not mean the UK government endorsed or supported the petition in any way.
He explained that “Following media reports on the petition submitted at No. 10 Downing Street by Mr Sunday Adeyemo popularly known as Sunday Igboho, the British High Commissioner in Abuja was invited to shed light on the issue.
“During the meeting, the High Commissioner noted with concern that the matter was overblown, indicating that the media reports were highly misleading.
“Furthermore, the High Commissioner informed that he was aware of the letter being delivered but added that it was merely an established practice of allowing the delivery of letters and petitions to No. 10.
“It was not endorsed by any agency of the UK government nor the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee.
“The UK government typically does not concern itself with petitions concerning the sovereign affairs of another country.”
Sunday Igboho, a known advocate for the separation of the Yoruba people from Nigeria, submitted the petition on behalf of Professor Adebanji Akintoye, leader of the Yoruba Nation movement.
His spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, shared via social media that the petition was handed over to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at precisely 2:00 PM on Sunday.
Despite the petition, the Nigerian government has reiterated that it does not view the petition as a legitimate concern for the UK government, as it deals with the internal affairs of Nigeria.
