|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Yoruba National Youth, United Kingdom Chapter, has appealed to the Speaker of the House of Commons, Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle (MP), seeking support for the Yoruba people’s pursuit of self-determination. The letter, dated November 28, 2024, advocates for the establishment of an independent Yoruba nation, citing benefits such as reduced migration pressures and equitable trade opportunities.
The letter, titled “Reparative Justice and the Self-Determination of the Yoruba People,” questions the UK government’s stance on historical injustices stemming from its role in Nigeria’s creation. It also highlights the amalgamation of diverse ethnic groups, including the Yoruba, without their consent, as a foundational issue fueling current calls for self-determination.
The group emphasized the historical context, stating:
“The UK’s role in creating Nigeria disregarded existing treaties and the consent of the governed. This legacy continues to drive tensions and the Yoruba people’s legitimate aspirations for independence.”
The letter also expressed discontent with recent remarks by the UK Foreign Secretary during a visit to Nigeria, which projected the country’s potential to become a leading economy by 2075. The group described this statement as dismissive of Nigeria’s deep-rooted social and political challenges, many of which have been central to the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement (YSDM) under Professor Banji Akintoye.
Referencing a petition submitted to the UK Prime Minister on October 12, 2024, the group asked:
“How does the government reconcile its optimistic projection for Nigeria’s future with the legitimate grievances of the Yoruba people? Can the Foreign Secretary present evidence supporting this claim, or are such statements without basis?”
The group also highlighted the psychological toll of Nigeria’s instability on UK citizens of Yoruba descent, many of whom face anxiety and distress due to the country’s ongoing issues with corruption, terrorism, and instability.
In their letter, the Yoruba National Youth called on the Speaker to facilitate a parliamentary dialogue to address critical questions, including:
- The UK government’s definition of reparative justice in relation to the Yoruba people’s grievances.
- How the government plans to engage with the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement.
- Measures to support UK citizens impacted by the instability in Yorubaland.
- A reassessment of UK foreign policy toward the Yoruba people and Nigeria to promote justice and stability.
The group argued that addressing these issues aligns with the principles of reparative justice and serves the UK’s broader interests, particularly for its citizens of Yoruba descent. They further urged the UK government to act as a mediator, stating:
“If the UK government will not leverage its influence to bring the Nigerian government to the negotiation table with the distinct nations it amalgamated, it should refrain from obstructing our quest for self-determination, either covertly or overtly.”
They also emphasized the economic and human capacity of an independent Yoruba nation, arguing that it would positively contribute to Africa and the global community.
The letter concluded with a call for justice, citing historical wrongs, including allegations of British interference in Nigeria’s 1959 elections and broken treaties with Yoruba kingdoms. It urged the UK government to work toward addressing these injustices and supporting the Yoruba people’s aspirations for sovereignty.
