October 13, 2024
By Samuel Ogunsona
Prominent 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 the creation of a Yoruba nation.
According to Olayomi Koiki, Igboho’s spokesman, the petition was submitted on behalf of Professor Adebanji Akintoye, the leader of the Yoruba Nation movement. The petition seeks the immediate intervention of the UK Prime Minister and his government in the agitation to set up a country that indigenous Yoruba people will predominantly own.
He wrote, “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.”
Igboho was accompanied by key figures within the Yoruba Nation advocacy, including Diaspora Youth Leader Prophet Ologunoluwa, Vice President of Ifeladun Apapo Fatai Ogunribido, General Secretary of Yoruba World Media Alhaja Adeyeye, and member of the movement Paul Odebiyi.
The Yoruba Nation movement has been pushing for a peaceful separation from Nigeria, arguing that the cultural and political autonomy of the Yoruba people is essential for their future prosperity and security.
Professor Akintoye had previously accused the Nigerian Government of attempting to bribe Igboho to abandon the cause.
Akintoye claimed that during Igboho’s detention in the Benin Republic, a former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retired), allegedly offered Igboho billions of naira in exchange for his renunciation of the Yoruba Nation struggle. However, Igboho reportedly rejected the offer, standing firm in his commitment to the cause.
The submission of the petition to the UK Prime Minister shows the importance in the Yoruba Nation creation.
All eyes are now on Keir Starmer’s Government, with hopes that international intervention might bring new momentum to the movement.
