The Yoruba Nation agitators under the Yoruba National Youth, United Kingdom Chapter, has written to the Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle (MP), seeking support from the United Kingdom on the Yoruba people’s quest in Nigeria for self-determination.
The letter, dated November 28, 2024, and obtained by SaharaReporters, asked the UK parliament to support the self-determination struggle, citing that it would reduce mass migration pressures and increase opportunities for equitable trade and honest dealings.
The group’s letter, titled “Reparative Justice And The Self-determination Of The Yoruba People,” also questions what reparative justice means to the Prime Minister and His Majesty’s Government of the United Kingdom in the context of the Yoruba people’s pursuit of self-determination.
It is worth noting that the Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle (MP), has a significant role in the UK’s parliamentary system.
As the presiding officer of the House of Commons, the Speaker is responsible for maintaining order and interpreting parliamentary rules.
“The UK’s role in the creation of Nigeria involved the amalgamation of diverse ethnic groups, including the Yoruba, often disregarding existing treaty agreements and the consent of the governed. This historical backdrop has contributed to ongoing tensions and calls for self-determination among the Yoruba people.
“I seek clarification on the government’s stance regarding these historical injustices and how it plans to address them.”
The group which was appalled with the Foreign Secretary’s visit to Nigeria and subsequent statement, proclaiming UK’s beliefs that Nigeria can become a leading economy by 2075.
“This statement appears to overlook the significant political and social challenges facing Nigeria, including those highlighted by the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement (YSDM) under the leadership of Professor Banji Akintoye.
“Notably, the YSDM submitted a petition to the Prime Minister on 12 October 2024, stating their demand to exit Nigeria. How does the government reconcile its optimistic projection for Nigeria’s future with the legitimate aspirations and grievances of the Yoruba people?
“Can the Foreign Secretary come to the house and present the white paper or research on which he has based this assessment? Or are the holders of the HM Government offices now given the power to make baseless and wild assertions?”
The coordinator, however, claimed that the “instability, terrorism, and corruption prevalent in Nigeria” have profound impacts on the mental health and welfare of UK citizens of Yoruba descent.
“Many dual nationals residing in the UK experience significant stress and anxiety due to the situation in Nigeria, which affects their families and communities. What measures is the government taking to support these individuals and address the underlying causes of their distress,” the group questioned.
The group’s letter requested the Speaker to facilitate a dialogue within the House of Commons to address the challenges raised which among others, are: “What is the government’s definition of reparative justice concerning the Yoruba people’s historical and ongoing grievances?
“How does the government plan to engage with the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement and their demands?
“What support is available for UK citizens affected by the instability in Yoruba land? Do we deserve to be listened to and our quest for a self-determined nation and fundamental human rights respected?
“How can the UK reassess its foreign policy toward the Yoruba people and Nigeria to promote justice, stability, and restoration? Will the government’s actions today be scrutinised for reparative justice in the years to come?”
The group coordinator, believed that addressing these issues is not only a matter of restorative or reparative justice but also in the best interest of the United Kingdom and all its citizens, including those with dual (Yoruba and British) nationality.
“Also, it is an issue of respect for the inalienable rights of Yorubas in the homeland and the diaspora. Suppose the Government of His Majesty The King will not do the decent thing and use its influence to get the Nigerian government on the negotiation table with the different nations trapped in the nightmare called Nigeria that was erroneously amalgamated by it.
“In that case, it (the UK Government) should not stand in our way covertly or overtly. Considering the many atrocities committed by the British Colonial government as representative of His Majesty’s Government, including breaking its treaty with Yoruba Kingdoms and allegedly rigging the 1959 elections to install its preferred candidate in leadership of the Nigeria it created upon granting its independence, justice will and should mean making efforts to correct those wrongs, working with all parties in respect of their inalienable rights. A fully independent Yoruba country and its people have all it needs to thrive and be a positive global influence for Africa and the rest of the world regarding human capacity and natural resources.”
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