Yoruba freedom fighter, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has taken his calls for a Yoruba nation to the international stage by submitting a formal petition to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer.
The petition was submitted on behalf of Prof. Adebanji Akintoye, leader of the Yoruba Nation movement, which seeks the formation of a new country predominantly populated by indigenous Yoruba people. The movement is urging the UK government to intervene in their ongoing agitation for self-determination.
This development was disclosed by Igboho’s spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, who confirmed the submission via his X (formerly Twitter) page on Monday. Koiki shared that the petition was officially handed over at 10 Downing Street, the residence of the UK Prime Minister.
Sunday Igboho has long been at the forefront of the Yoruba Nation movement, a cause he continues to champion despite legal and political challenges. His efforts have garnered significant attention both within Nigeria and internationally, especially after claims by Akintoye that the Nigerian government tried to bribe Igboho to abandon his advocacy.
Akintoye revealed that during Igboho’s detention in Benin Republic, a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, allegedly attempted to persuade him to renounce the Yoruba Nation struggle in exchange for substantial financial incentives. However, Igboho reportedly refused the offer, staying committed to his cause.
This latest move demonstrates the Yoruba Nation movement’s determination to gain international support for their quest for self-determination, with Igboho and his supporters hopeful that the UK government will take their petition into serious consideration.