Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, has provided clarification regarding the United Kingdom’s stance on the recent petition for a Yoruba Nation, submitted to No. 10 Downing Street by Nigerian national Sunday Igboho.
Montgomery stated that the UK government acknowledges Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasising that any discussions about self-determination should take place within the context of Nigeria’s constitutional processes.
On October 15, 2024, Montgomery released a statement addressing the concerns raised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs after a discussion with the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs on October 14.
Montgomery emphasised that the submission of the petition to the UK Prime Minister’s office is a customary procedure for receiving letters and petitions from different individuals and organisations; however, it should not be interpreted as an endorsement by the UK government or the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee.
He highlighted that the simple act of receiving the petition does not indicate any formal endorsement or concurrence with its contents.
He underscored that petitions related to the sovereignty of another nation are beyond the scope of the UK government, reiterating that these issues are the responsibility of the Nigerian government and legislature.
“The High Commissioner noted that any petition concerning the sovereign affairs of another country is not a matter for the UK government.”
Furthermore, the High Commissioner pointed out that similar petitions advocating for secessionist movements have previously been rejected by the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee and the 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 statement noted.
This highlights the UK’s long-standing policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of Nigeria.
Montgomery reaffirmed the importance of the bilateral relationship between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, praising the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He expressed optimism about continued collaboration on issues such as trade, investment, security, and defence and assured the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs of ongoing communication between their offices.
It is 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.
Sunday Igboho’s spokesman, Olayomi Koiki, confirmed this in a post on his X page Sunday.
He stated that Igboho filed the petition on behalf of Prof. Adebanji Akintoye, the leader of the Yoruba Nation movement.
