The United Kingdom Government has declined the petition submitted by Yoruba Nation activist, Sunday Igboho, seeking support for the Yoruba Nation agitation.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Eche Abu-Obe, on Tuesday in Abuja, it was revealed that the UK government does not engage in petitions regarding the sovereign affairs of another country. This led to the rejection of Igboho's petition.
"Following media reports on the petition submitted at No. 10 Downing Street by Mr. Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, the British High Commissioner in Abuja was invited to provide clarity on the matter," Abu-Obe stated.
The British High Commissioner expressed concern over what he termed misleading media reports regarding the petition. He clarified that while the letter was delivered, it was merely part of an established practice of allowing letters and petitions to be sent to No. 10 Downing Street. However, no endorsement was provided by any agency of the UK government or the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee.
Abu-Obe quoted the High Commissioner as saying that the UK government generally refrains from involving itself in petitions related to the internal matters of another sovereign nation. Furthermore, similar petitions have been rejected in the past by both the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee and the UK government.
The statement further noted that the British government reiterated its commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations with Nigeria, and pledged to continue liaising with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as needed on matters of mutual concern.
