Igboho submits petition for Yoruba nation creation to UK Prime Minister and Keir Starmer

Yoruba freedom fighter Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has formally presented a petition to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Labour Party leader Keir Starmer, advocating for the creation of an independent Yoruba nation. Acting on behalf of Professor Adebanji Akintoye, leader of the Yoruba Nation movement, Igboho urged the UK government to intervene in their cause, seeking international support to highlight the group's mission for self-determination.

This pivotal moment was shared by Igboho’s spokesperson, Olayomi Koiki, who announced the submission on his X page, stating, "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."

Sunday Igboho has long been a central figure in the struggle for Yoruba independence, persistently pushing for the establishment of a nation exclusively for the Yoruba people. His efforts have faced staunch opposition from the Nigerian government, which allegedly attempted to bribe Igboho into renouncing the movement.

Akintoye revealed that during Igboho’s detention in the Benin Republic, retired Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, Nigeria’s former Chief of Army Staff and ambassador to Benin, reportedly slipped a document into Igboho’s cell offering billions of naira if he would abandon the cause. Igboho, however, refused to sign, signaling his unwavering commitment to the movement for Yoruba self-determination. 

The petition marks a significant step in the group’s attempt to internationalize their cause and appeal to global powers for recognition.