Sunday Igboho Warns Nigerian Government Against Intimidation of British High Commissioner
By DAMILOLA ADESULU
Yoruba Nation Agitator Submits Petition to UK Prime Minister, Affirms Commitment to Sovereignty
Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government regarding its reported attempts to intimidate the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery. This follows Igboho’s recent submission of a 25-page petition to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, advocating for the recognition of a sovereign Yoruba nation.
Petition for Sovereignty Submitted to UK Government
On Saturday, Igboho submitted his petition at 10 Downing Street in London, calling for international recognition of the Yoruba people’s quest for self-determination. In a statement signed by Igboho and shared with The PUNCH on Wednesday, he criticized the Nigerian government’s actions as unnecessary attempts to pressure the British diplomat.
Historical Context and Justification
In his statement, Igboho emphasized the historical context of Nigeria’s colonial past, stating, “The British government colonized Nigeria, and we are well within our rights to submit a petition to them regarding our demand for a sovereign Yoruba nation.” He referenced Nigeria’s independence from British rule on October 1, 1960, pointing out that the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorates in 1914 was a British decision.
Igboho further asserted that the Yoruba people have a constitutional right to demand secession 100 years after the amalgamation, labeling the union a “marriage of inconvenience.”
International Witnesses for the Yoruba Cause
He explained that the primary purpose of the petition was to enlist the British government as a witness before the United Nations concerning the Yoruba nation’s aspirations. Igboho noted that the standard response time for such official communications is approximately two weeks, suggesting that Prime Minister Starmer may not have reviewed the petition yet.
Commitment to Peaceful Advocacy
Despite the ongoing intimidation tactics from the Nigerian government, Igboho reassured the Yoruba people that their movement would not be deterred. He stated, “We remain committed to peaceful, non-violent, and legitimate methods of ensuring the birth of a Yoruba nation.” He urged his supporters to remain calm and resolute in their collective struggle for emancipation, emphasizing the great potential of a vibrant Yoruba nation.
Call for International Support
Igboho also addressed the summoning of Montgomery in Abuja, insisting that it would not halt the campaign for Yoruba sovereignty. He expressed his determination to continue seeking international backing for the movement, stating, “We will continue to seek international backing and bring our agenda before the global community.”
Conclusion
As the campaign for a sovereign Yoruba nation gains momentum, Sunday Igboho’s call for recognition and support highlights the ongoing struggle for self-determination. His commitment to peaceful advocacy and international engagement underscores the urgency of the Yoruba people’s aspirations on the global stage.
