Yoruba Nation: British High Commissioner issues statement Igboho’s petition

The British High Commissioner has released an official statement addressing recent press reports concerning a petition submitted to the UK government advocating for the Yoruba Nation.

The High Commissioner clarified that while the petition has received significant media attention, it is important to note that the UK government has not endorsed the petition or expressed any official position on the matter.

The statement reaffirmed the UK’s longstanding commitment to Nigeria’s unity and sovereignty, emphasizing that any internal issues or demands for self-determination are considered a matter for Nigerians to address through their established legal and political frameworks.

Furthermore, the British High Commission reiterated the importance of peaceful dialogue and democratic processes in resolving any national disputes and confirmed that the UK continues to engage with Nigeria on matters of shared interest and cooperation.

Full statement reads:

STATEMENT BY THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER ON PRESS COVERAGE ON A YORUBA NATION PETITION TO THE UK GOVERNMENT

Richard Montgomery, CMG, the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland in Abuja, acknowledged the 15th October 2024 statement issued by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the press coverage on a Yoruba Nation petition handed to No 10 Downing Street by a Nigerian national, Sunday Adeyemo. The High Commissioner was pleased to discuss this issue with Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs on 14th October 2024. He noted the Honourable Minister’s concern and understood that press reports were misleading.

The High Commissioner reassured the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs that the petition was in no way endorsed by any official body of the UK government or the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee. The delivery merely reflected an established practice of allowing the delivery of letters and petitions to No10.

The High Commissioner noted that any petition concerning the sovereign affairs of another country are not a matter for the UK 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 High Commissioner agreed to continue liaising with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as needed.

The High Commissioner reiterated the importance of the bilateral partnership between the United Kingdom and the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He noted bilateral progress on a range of issues with the present administration of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, and particularly new agreements on enhanced trade and investment, security and defence, and home affairs. He renewed his assurances of highest regards for the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.