The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has provided important clarification regarding the United Kingdom’s stance on the recent petition advocating for the establishment of a Yoruba Nation, which was submitted to No. 10 Downing Street by Nigerian national Sunday Igboho.
In his detailed statement, Montgomery emphasized that the UK government holds a deep respect for the sovereignty of Nigeria and its territorial integrity. He reiterated that any discussions or movements related to self-determination must occur strictly within the framework of Nigeria’s constitutional processes, highlighting the importance of adhering to established legal and political mechanisms in the country.
In a statement issued on October 15, 2024, Montgomery addressed the concerns raised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following a discussion he had with the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs on October 14. He noted the significance of these discussions in clarifying the UK’s position on sensitive matters such as this one.
Montgomery pointed out that while the act of delivering the petition to the UK Prime Minister’s office is a standard practice that allows for the acceptance of 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 made it clear that the mere receipt of the petition does not imply any official support or agreement with its contents, thereby distancing the UK government from the proposals made within the document.
He emphasized that petitions concerning the sovereignty of another nation are outside the jurisdiction of the UK government, reiterating that these matters fall strictly within the domain of the Nigerian government and its legislature. Montgomery stated, “The High Commissioner noted that any petition concerning the sovereign affairs of another country is not a matter for the UK government,” reinforcing the idea that such issues should be resolved internally within Nigeria.
Furthermore, the High Commissioner highlighted that similar petitions advocating for secessionist movements have been previously rejected by the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee and the government. He remarked, “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,” underscoring the UK’s consistent policy of non-interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
Montgomery reaffirmed the significance of the bilateral relationship between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, commending the current administration led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He expressed hope for continued collaboration on critical issues such as trade, investment, security, and defence. The High Commissioner also assured the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs of the ongoing communication and partnership between their offices, emphasizing the UK’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s development and stability.
It is also 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. This petition was part of a broader movement seeking recognition and autonomy for the Yoruba people. Sunday Igboho’s spokesman, Olayomi Koiki, confirmed this initiative in a post on his X page, stating that Igboho filed the petition on behalf of Prof. Adebanji Akintoye, the leader of the Yoruba Nation movement, highlighting the ongoing quest for self-determination among certain groups within Nigeria.