The Federal Government of Nigeria has summoned the British High Commissioner following the recent submission of a petition by Yoruba Nations agitator Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, at 10 Downing Street.
The petition was made on behalf of Professor Adebanji Akintoye, the leader of the Yoruba Nation movement, which seeks UK Prime Minister’s intervention in establishing a country predominantly owned by indigenous Yoruba people.
Amb. Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued a statement on October 15, detailing the meeting. The High Commissioner acknowledged the concerns raised but emphasized that reports surrounding the petition were misleading.
He clarified that while the petition was received, it was part of an established practice for submitting letters to No. 10, and it was not endorsed by any UK government agency or the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee.
The High Commissioner reiterated that the UK government does not interfere in the sovereign affairs of other nations and noted that similar petitions have been previously rejected. He expressed a commitment to maintaining communication with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and underscored the importance of bilateral relations between the UK and Nigeria.
