UK Rebuffs Sunday Igboho’s Petition for Yoruba Nation

Nigeria’s Sunday Igboho Petition to UK Government Sparks Confusion: No Endorsement Claimed

The Nigerian government has issued a statement denying claims that the petition presented by Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, to the United Kingdom government has been endorsed. The petition, which calls on the UK to consider the Yoruba nation, has been met with mixed reactions, with some accusing the UK government of being misinformed.

According to the statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the diplomatic channel was opened to shed light on the matter, with the British High Commissioner in Abuja, Nigeria, providing clarification. The High Commissioner described media reports on the petition as "highly misleading," indicating that the matter was being blown out of proportion.

The High Commissioner explained that the delivery of letters and petitions to No. 10 Downing Street is an established practice, but it does not imply endorsement. Moreover, the UK government has a policy of not concerning itself with petitions related to another country’s sovereign affairs. The High Commissioner also emphasized that similar petitions have been rejected by the UK’s Parliamentary Petitions Committee and government in the past.

The statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed the importance of the bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, with the British envoy agreeing to continue liaising with the Ministry as needed. This development has sparked a mixed reaction, with some calling for clarity and transparency in the diplomatic sphere, while others argue that the matter should be taken seriously.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this development will impact the long-standing relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. One thing is certain, however: the Nigerian government has issued a clear statement, denying any endorsement of the petition and reiterating its commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic ties with the UK.