Yoruba Nation advocate Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has formally submitted a petition to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging the UK government to consider the ongoing agitation for the establishment of an independent Yoruba Nation. The petition, submitted on behalf of Professor Adebanji Akintoye, leader of the Yoruba Nation movement, requests international support for a peaceful secession from Nigeria.
According to sources close to the movement, the petition outlines the Yoruba Nation’s grievances, particularly focusing on security concerns caused by Fulani herders. “Our people have been subjected to unrelenting attacks, kidnappings, and killings. This has led to a situation where most farmers have abandoned their land, pushing our homeland toward famine,” the petition reportedly reads. Prophet Ologunoluwa, who accompanied Igboho during the submission, emphasized that the situation “is no longer tenable.”
The petition is also said to challenge ongoing discussions about restructuring Nigeria. It expresses the movement’s belief that restructuring will not resolve the security issues faced by the Yoruba people. “Restructuring will not keep the marauders away from our homeland. We believe only complete autonomy can safeguard our people’s future,” Professor Akintoye was quoted as saying, underscoring the group’s resolve for self-determination.
Sunday Igboho, who has long been at the forefront of the Yoruba Nation movement, declared that the petition to the British Prime Minister is a critical step toward securing international support. “We are hopeful that the UK government will take our concerns seriously and help facilitate peaceful negotiations with the Nigerian government,” Igboho stated during an interview after the submission.
In addition to Igboho and Akintoye, other dignitaries who accompanied the petition included Prophet Ologunoluwa, Fatai Ogunribido, and Paul Odebiyi. They collectively urged the British government to act swiftly, warning that the situation in the Yoruba region of Nigeria is deteriorating rapidly.
