Sunday Igboho Warns FG Against Intimidation of British High Commissioner Over Yoruba Nation Petition

By: Abdulwasiu Akintunde 

Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has criticized the Nigerian Government for allegedly pressuring the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, over his recent petition to the United Kingdom. 

In a statement shared on Wednesday, Igboho expressed disapproval of Montgomery’s reported summoning by Nigerian officials, dismissing it as an unwarranted attempt to suppress his movement’s efforts.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News recalls that on Saturday, Igboho submitted a 25-page petition to UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, at 10 Downing Street, urging the British Government to support the recognition of an independent Yoruba nation.

Igboho argued that the petition was a legitimate way of addressing historical issues tied to British colonial rule. 

He pointed out that Nigeria’s independence in 1960 did not erase the underlying tensions created by the British amalgamation of northern and southern regions in 1914, which he described as a “forced union” or “marriage of inconvenience.”

He further emphasized that the Yoruba people have every right to push for self-determination and said that the petition to the UK Government serves as a formal step to engage the international community. 

According to him, the UK is expected to play a neutral role as a witness when the matter reaches the United Nations.

However, Igboho reassured his supporters that the Nigerian Government’s actions would not derail the secession campaign. 

He insisted that the movement would continue using peaceful and legal means to achieve its goals.

Calling on the Yoruba people to remain calm and united, he reaffirmed the movement's commitment to non-violence, urging them to stay focused on the ultimate goal of establishing a prosperous Yoruba nation.

In conclusion, he pledged to keep seeking international support and to present the Yoruba nation agenda on global platforms until the desired outcome is achieved.