Self-acclaimed Yoruba Nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has submitted a petition to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, seeking his support for the creation of a Yoruba nation.
Igboho’s spokesman, Olayomi Koiki, made this known in a post on Sunday via his X handle (formerly Twitter). He stated that Igboho submitted the petition on behalf of the leader of the Yoruba Nation movement, Prof. Adebanji Akintoye.
“At exactly 14:00 hrs Dr. Chief Sunday Igboho delivered a petition to the UK Prime Minister on behalf of Prof. Adebanji Akintoye, leader of the YORUBA NATION movement, and Olayomi Koiki, his spokesman @10DowningStreet,” he posted.
The content of the petition submitted was not revealed but it was gathered that The movement is seeking the Prime Minister’s backing for actualisation of the Yoruba nation. This comes amidst a backdrop of ongoing agitation for self-determination and the creation of a separate country in Western Nigeria being propagated by the Yoruba Nation Movement.
Igboho’s Agitation for Yoruba Nation
Akintoye and Sunday Igboho have been at the forefront of the actualisation of a Yoruba nation. Their efforts have sparked controversy and drawn attention to the issue of self-determination within Nigeria. The movement’s goal is to establish a country that will be predominantly owned by indigenous Yoruba people, seeking to create a sovereign state for the Yoruba people.
The movement’s agitation has been met with mixed reactions from various stakeholders. While some support the quest for self-determination, others argue that it could destabilize the country. However, the movement remains steadfast in its pursuit of a separate Yoruba state, with Igboho as a prominent figure.
Igboho’s Previous Encounters with the Nigerian Government
Our correspondent reports that in July 2021, Igboho was arrested alongside his wife, Ropo, in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and detained at the request of the Nigerian government. He had fled Nigeria after the Department of State Services (DSS) raided his residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on July 1, 2021.
The DSS had alleged that Igboho was stockpiling weapons and subsequently declared him wanted. The raid led to the death of two people while 12 of his aides were arrested. Attempts by the federal government to repatriate him to Nigeria after his arrest were unsuccessful.
He was arraigned at the Court D’Apeal in Cotonou and was detained in a prison facility in the country. The charges against him bordered on arms smuggling, inciting violence and calling for a secession of the Yoruba from the Nigerian state. He was eventually released from prison in 2023.
Igboho’s Petition to the UK Government
This latest development marks a significant step in the movement’s quest for international recognition. The petition to the UK government signals an attempt to garner support from influential international actors. Igboho's move could potentially raise the profile of the Yoruba Nation movement on the global stage.
The Implications of Igboho’s Petition
The petition’s contents are yet to be made public, but its implications are already being debated. Some see it as a desperate attempt to legitimize the Yoruba Nation movement by seeking foreign intervention. Others view it as a strategic move to put pressure on the Nigerian government to address the grievances of the Yoruba people.
It remains to be seen how the UK government will respond to Igboho’s petition. However, the fact that he sought to engage a foreign power on the issue is likely to intensify the debate on self-determination within Nigeria.
The Future of the Yoruba Nation Movement
Igboho’s petition marks a significant development in the Yoruba Nation movement. It raises the stakes of the movement’s quest for self-determination. Whether the movement will achieve its goals or face renewed setbacks remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the Yoruba Nation movement is a force to be reckoned with and its future will be shaped by the response to Igboho’s petition.
What’s Next for the Yoruba Nation Movement?
The movement’s future hinges on the outcome of Igboho’s petition and the reaction of the Nigerian government. The movement will need to navigate a complex political landscape, finding a balance between peaceful advocacy and strategic engagement. Whether they will succeed in securing international support or face further resistance remains to be seen. The quest for a Yoruba nation is a long and winding road, with no easy solutions in sight.
