The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has clarified that the petition submitted by Sunday Igboho, also known as Sunday Adeniyi Adeyemo, to the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, regarding the creation of a Yoruba nation has not been officially recognized by the UK government or any parliamentary committee.
Montgomery’s remarks followed media reports suggesting the UK government’s endorsement of the petition.
According to the British envoy, the receipt of such petitions at 10 Downing Street is a customary procedure, not an indication of governmental support.
Olayomi Koiki, Igboho’s spokesman, had previously stated that the petition was submitted on behalf of Yoruba Nation leader Prof. Adebanji Akintoye.
However, Montgomery emphasized that the UK government typically does not engage with petitions related to the domestic affairs of other nations.
The High Commissioner addressed the issue after being summoned by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He stated that past petitions of a similar nature have been dismissed by the UK government.
Montgomery reiterated the commitment to maintaining positive bilateral relations between the UK and Nigeria, while clarifying the misunderstanding surrounding the petition’s significance.
| ReplyForwardAdd reaction |