UK Rejects Igboho’s Petition, Emphasises Respect For Nigeria’s Sovereignty

ABUJA, NIGERIA – The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has dismissed the significance of a letter submitted by Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho to 10 Downing Street, the UK Prime Minister’s Office.

During a meeting with Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Montgomery clarified the UK government’s stance on the petition, which demanded the actualization of the Yoruba Nation.

He emphasized that the UK typically does not engage with petitions concerning the internal affairs of other sovereign states.

Montgomery stated that similar petitions have been rejected by the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee and the UK Government in the past.

He further clarified that while the delivery of letters and petitions to 10 Downing Street is an established practice, it does not constitute an endorsement by any UK government agency or the Parliamentary Petitions Committee.

The statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed by spokesperson Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, highlighted the “highly misleading” nature of media reports surrounding the issue.

The High Commissioner reassured the Nigerian government of the UK’s commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations with Nigeria.

This statement comes amidst growing concerns over Igboho’s activism and its potential impact on Nigeria’s national unity.

The UK’s decision to distance itself from the petition underscores its commitment to respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and refraining from involvement in internal political matters.