The Federal Government of Nigeria has clarified that the petition submitted by Yoruba nation agitator Mr. Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as “Sunday Igboho,” seeking recognition for the Yoruba nation, was not endorsed by the United Kingdom government.
Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement in Abuja on Tuesday, addressing recent media reports regarding the petition. He described these reports as “highly misleading.”
According to Abu-Obe, following the media coverage of Igboho’s petition delivered to No. 10 Downing Street, the British High Commissioner in Abuja was invited for clarification on the matter. During their meeting, the High Commissioner expressed concern that the issue had been exaggerated and clarified that the media reports did not accurately reflect the situation.
“The High Commissioner noted that the matter was overblown, indicating that the media reports were highly misleading,” he stated.
The High Commissioner confirmed awareness of the petition’s delivery but emphasized that it was merely part of the established practice of accepting letters and petitions at No. 10. He stressed that the petition had not been endorsed by any UK government agency or the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee, which has previously rejected similar petitions.
The High Commissioner also agreed to maintain communication with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as necessary, reaffirming the importance of the bilateral relationship between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.
It is worth noting that Sunday Igboho’s spokesman, Olayomi Koiki, had previously announced on social media that Igboho submitted the petition to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, representing Prof. Adebanji Akintoye, the leader of the Yoruba Nation movement. Koiki wrote:
“At exactly 14:00 hrs, Dr. Chief Sunday Igboho delivered a petition to the UK Prime Minister on behalf of Prof. Adebanji Akintoye, leader of the YORUBA NATION movement.”
The Federal Government’s response highlights its commitment to clarifying any misunderstandings regarding international perceptions of the Yoruba nation movement and its leaders.
