Nigeria: Yoruba Nation Agitator Igboho Warns FG To Stop Intimidating British Envoy Over Petition

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria

Yoruba nation activist, Sunday Adeyemo, widely known as Sunday Igboho, has issued a stern warning to the Nigerian government, urging them to refrain from intimidating the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, following his petition for a sovereign Yoruba nation.

Igboho recently submitted a 25-page petition to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, pushing for the recognition of the Yoruba people’s desire for independence. In a statement released on Wednesday, Igboho criticized the reported summoning of Montgomery by the Nigerian government, calling it an attempt to apply undue pressure on the diplomat.

“The British government colonized Nigeria, and we are within our rights to submit a petition to them regarding our demand for a sovereign Yoruba nation,” Igboho stated. He highlighted that the 1914 amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria by the British was a “marriage of inconvenience,” and Yoruba people have the constitutional right to demand secession 100 years after that union.

He clarified that the petition to the UK government was to have them serve as a witness in future discussions at the United Nations, emphasizing that the Nigerian government’s intimidation would not derail the movement’s peaceful efforts.

“We remain committed to non-violent, legitimate methods of securing a Yoruba nation. Our people must stay calm and resolute in this struggle for emancipation,” Igboho reassured.

Igboho added that the Yoruba nation campaign would continue to seek international support, reiterating that intimidation tactics would not halt their push for global recognition. He expressed confidence in rallying further for the cause on the world stage.