UK govt explains why it declined Sunday Igboho’s petition for Yoruba Nation

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has given clarification on the United Kingdom’s position concerning the recent petition advocating for a Yoruba Nation, which was presented to No. 10 Downing Street by Nigerian national Sunday Igboho.

In his statement, Montgomery emphasized that the UK government respects the sovereignty of Nigeria and its territorial integrity, reiterating that any discussions regarding self-determination must occur within the framework of Nigeria’s constitutional processes.

In a statement issued on October 15, 2024, Montgomery addressed the concerns raised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following a discussion with the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs on October 14.

Montgomery noted that while the delivery of the petition to the UK Prime Minister’s office reflects a standard practice of accepting letters and petitions from various individuals and groups, it should not be misconstrued as an endorsement by the UK government or the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee.

He emphasized that the mere act of receiving the petition does not imply any official support or agreement with its contents.

He emphasised that such petitions concerning the sovereignty of another nation fall outside the purview of the UK government, reiterating that they are matters for the Nigerian government and legislature.

“The High Commissioner noted that any petition concerning the sovereign affairs of another country is not a matter for the UK government.”

Furthermore, the High Commissioner pointed out that similar petitions advocating for secessionist movements have previously been rejected by the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee and the government.

“The High Commissioner underscored that this is a matter for the government and legislature of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and noted that similar petitions had been rejected by the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee and the UK government in the past,” the statement noted.

This highlights the UK’s long-standing policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of Nigeria.

Montgomery reaffirmed the importance of the bilateral relationship between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, praising the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He expressed optimism about continued collaboration on issues such as trade, investment, security, and defence, and assured the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs of ongoing communication between their offices.

It is worth recalling that the Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, petitioned the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, to consider the creation of a Yoruba nation.

Sunday Igboho’s spokesman, Olayomi Koiki, confirmed this in a post on his X page Sunday.

He stated that Igboho filed the petition on behalf of Prof. Adebanji Akintoye, the leader of the Yoruba Nation movement.