By Okafor Joseph Afam
October 13, 2024

The Yoruba Nation advocate, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has taken a bold step in the secessionist movement by submitting a petition to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, urging him to consider the call for a Yoruba Nation.

While the exact details of the petition remain undisclosed, SaharaReporters gathered that the document focuses on the ongoing agitation for the Yoruba Nation’s independence. The petition was reportedly submitted on behalf of Prof. Banji Akintoye, the leader of the Yoruba Nation movement, during a formal presentation on Saturday.

Igboho was accompanied by several prominent figures, 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 Yoruba Nation Movement Paul Odebiyi.

The petition seeks immediate attention from the UK Prime Minister and his government, advocating for their intervention in establishing a sovereign Yoruba state, one predominantly led by indigenous Yoruba people. This move signals a growing call for international support as tensions surrounding the push for Yoruba independence escalate.

It is important to recall that Yoruba historian and key figure in the independence struggle, Banji Akintoye, previously accused the Nigerian government of attempting to pressure Sunday Igboho into renouncing his secessionist agenda. Akintoye revealed that, during Igboho’s detention in the Benin Republic, former Nigerian Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), allegedly visited him with a proposal that included a significant monetary offer in exchange for abandoning the movement.

Akintoye recounted, “They brought money to this young man. Buratai offered him billions if only he would sign a paper stating that he had renounced the Yoruba Nation struggle.” Despite the pressure, Igboho refused the offer, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to the cause.

Igboho’s release from detention and his ongoing advocacy for the Yoruba Nation has made him a symbol of resilience within the movement. His petition to the UK government could mark a critical turning point in the efforts to gain international recognition for the cause.