The Federal Government has refuted claims that the United Kingdom endorsed a petition from Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, commonly known as Sunday Igboho.
The petition, submitted last week at 10 Downing Street, urged the UK government to consider the establishment of a Yoruba nation.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, characterized media reports surrounding the petition as “highly misleading.” He clarified that the UK had no official endorsement of the petition.
During a meeting with the British High Commissioner in Abuja, it was noted that the delivery of such petitions is a routine practice and does not imply governmental support.
The High Commissioner expressed concern over the exaggerated media coverage and confirmed that similar petitions have been rejected by UK authorities in the past.
Abu-Obe emphasized that matters concerning the sovereignty of another nation fall outside the UK's jurisdiction, reiterating that this petition had no backing from any UK government agency or parliamentary committee.
Igboho's spokesman, Olayomi Koiki, confirmed via social media that the petition was delivered to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on behalf of Prof. Adebanji Akintoye, leader of the Yoruba Nation movement.
However, attempts to obtain further comments from Igboho were unsuccessful. A source indicated that he plans to release a statement soon.