The Federal Government has dismissed reports that the United Kingdom government backed Sunday Igboho’s petition for Yoruba nation, stating that the claims are unfounded. This clarification aims to quell speculation and misinformation surrounding the separatist leader’s efforts to secure international support.

The Federal Government on Tuesday stated that the petition by Mr Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as “Sunday Igboho”, calling for the UK to consider the ‘Yoruba Nation’ Agitation, was not endorsed by the UK government.

Amb. Eche Abu-Obe, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made this known in a statement in Abuja.

“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 shed light on the issue.

“During the meeting, the High Commissioner noted with concern that the matter was overblown, indicating that the media reports were highly misleading.

“Furthermore, the High Commissioner informed that he was aware of the letter being delivered but added that it was merely an established practice of allowing the delivery of letters and petitions to No 10.

“It was not endorsed by any agency of the UK government nor the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee.

“The UK government typically does not concern itself with petitions concerning the sovereign affairs of another country,”

He quoted the high commissioner to have informed that such petitions had been rejected by the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee and the UK Government in the past.

He further agreed to continue liaising with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as needed, while reiterating the importance of the bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.