The recent episode regarding the petition submitted by Mr. Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as “Sunday Igboho”, calling on the United Kingdom to consider the ‘Yoruba Nation’ Agitation, has sparked strong reactions. According to information from the Federal Government, the initiative has not been endorsed by the British Government.
The Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Eche Abu-Obe, said in a statement in Abuja that the British High Commissioner had been asked to clarify the situation. During the meeting, the High Commissioner expressed concern over the excessive media coverage of the matter, stressing that the media reports were misleading.
He also noted that the letter had been delivered but that it was simply an established practice for letters and petitions to be delivered to No 10. No agency of the British Government nor the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee supported the petition. The UK Government does not generally get involved in petitions concerning the sovereign affairs of another country.
The High Commissioner advised that such petitions had been rejected by the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee and the UK Government in the past. He also agreed to continue to engage with the Foreign Office as necessary, reaffirming the importance of the UK-Nigeria bilateral relationship.
This case highlights the complexity of international relations and the importance of handling diplomatic issues with caution. It also highlights the need for clear and transparent communication between the different parties to avoid confusion or misunderstanding. Ultimately, it is essential to promote dialogue and cooperation to resolve disputes peacefully and constructively.