The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has clarified the UK’s stance on a recent petition advocating for a Yoruba Nation, submitted by Nigerian activist Sunday Igboho to No. 10 Downing Street.
In a statement issued on October 15, 2024, Montgomery reaffirmed the UK’s respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, stressing that any discussions around self-determination must take place within Nigeria’s constitutional framework.
Montgomery’s statement followed concerns raised by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs after a conversation with the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs on October 14. He explained that while it is common for No. 10 Downing Street to receive letters and petitions from various individuals and groups, this should not be misinterpreted as support or endorsement by the UK government or the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee.
He further emphasized that receiving a petition does not imply any official backing for its content, reiterating that issues related to the sovereignty of another nation fall under the jurisdiction of that country’s government and legislature, not the UK. Montgomery pointed out that similar petitions for secessionist movements have been previously rejected by both the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee and the government, underscoring the UK’s policy of non-interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs.
Montgomery also highlighted the strong bilateral relationship between the UK and Nigeria, praising President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and expressing optimism for continued cooperation in areas such as trade, security, and defense. He assured the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs that communication between their offices would remain ongoing.
It is worth noting that Sunday Igboho, through his spokesman Olayomi Koiki, recently petitioned UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, requesting the consideration of a Yoruba nation on behalf of Yoruba Nation movement leader, Prof. Adebanji Akintoye.