UK Government to Yoruba Nation: ‘Thanks for the Letter, But We're Not Involved

Abuja,Nigeria.

Following the submission of a Yoruba Nation petition at No. 10 Downing Street by Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Sunday Igboho, the controversial Odudwa Nation agitator, on 10th October 2024, the British High Commission and Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs have clarified their positions on the matter.

In a joint statement from the British High Commission and Nigeria's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both parties emphasized that the petition was not officially endorsed by the UK government or its Parliamentary Petitions Committee. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a press statement on 15th October 2024, reiterating that the UK government typically refrains from engaging in petitions related to the internal affairs of sovereign nations like Nigeria. The press release also highlighted that such petitions had been rejected by the UK government in the past.

During discussions with Nigeria's Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs on 14th October, the British High Commissioner, Richard Montgomery, acknowledged concerns about the misleading media coverage of the event. Montgomery reassured that the delivery of the petition to Downing Street followed the standard procedure for receiving letters but held no political or legal endorsement by any UK body.

Both governments reaffirmed the strong bilateral relations between the UK and Nigeria, particularly under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing cooperation in areas like trade, security, and defense. The statement concluded with a commitment to continue liaising as needed, while rejecting any insinuation that the UK government was involved in supporting the petition for Yoruba Nation.

This response underscores the importance of accurate reporting and highlights the ongoing dialogue between the two nations regarding shared diplomatic and trade interests.