Richard Montgomery, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, recently provided clarification regarding the United Kingdom’s stance on the Yoruba Nation petition presented to No. 10 Downing Street by Nigerian activist Sunday Igboho.
In his statement, Montgomery stressed that the UK government fully respects Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, emphasizing that any discussions around self-determination should take place within Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
On October 15, 2024, following a discussion with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Montgomery clarified that the UK government’s receipt of the petition does not indicate support or endorsement. He explained that it is standard practice for the UK to accept letters and petitions from individuals or groups, but this act should not be misinterpreted as backing the contents of the petition. Montgomery reiterated that matters involving the sovereignty of a nation fall under the jurisdiction of that nation’s government, in this case, Nigeria’s 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.