The Nigerian government has debunked claims that the UK endorsed a Yoruba Nation petition, clarifying no official involvement was made.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Federal Government has categorically dismissed reports suggesting that the United Kingdom officially endorsed a petition submitted by Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, calling for the creation of a Yoruba nation.
The petition, which was delivered last week to 10 Downing Street in London, has sparked significant media attention.
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In a statement released on Tuesday, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, referred to the media reports as “highly misleading.”
He clarified that the UK government had no involvement in, or endorsement of, the document.
Ambassador Abu-Obe explained that following the circulation of media reports on the petition submitted by Sunday Igboho, the British High Commissioner in Abuja was summoned to provide clarity on the matter.
During the meeting, the High Commissioner expressed concern about the misinformation circulating in the press, noting that the reports had significantly exaggerated the situation.
“The British High Commissioner confirmed that while the petition was delivered as part of the established practice of receiving letters and petitions at 10 Downing Street, it had no endorsement from any UK government agency or the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee,” Abu-Obe stated.
The spokesperson further emphasised that the UK government does not typically involve itself in petitions related to the internal matters of other sovereign nations.
This was underscored by the High Commissioner, who noted that similar petitions had previously been rejected by the UK government.
In his statement, the British High Commissioner reaffirmed the strong bilateral relationship between the UK and Nigeria, assuring that the UK would continue to work closely with Nigeria on matters of mutual interest.
Meanwhile, Sunday Igboho, through his spokesman Olayomi Koiki, confirmed via social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that the petition had indeed been submitted to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Koiki stated that Igboho delivered the petition on behalf of Professor Adebanji Akintoye, leader of the Yoruba Nation movement.
Efforts to obtain further comments from Igboho were unsuccessful, but sources indicate that he is expected to issue a statement later today.
