The Yoruba Nation Movement, represented by the Yoruba National Youth (United Kingdom Chapter), has formally appealed to the United Kingdom’s House of Commons Speaker, Rt Hon Sir Lindsay Hoyle MP, seeking parliamentary backing for their pursuit of self-determination.
In a letter dated November 28, 2024, the group outlined their case for an independent Yoruba nation, emphasizing the global benefits of such a move, including reduced migration pressures and enhanced opportunities for equitable trade.
Titled “Reparative Justice and the Self-Determination of the Yoruba People,” the letter raises critical questions about reparative justice and its implications for the Yoruba people. The activists asked the UK government to address the historical role it played in Nigeria’s formation, particularly the forced amalgamation of diverse ethnic groups, including the Yoruba, without the consent of the governed. According to the group, these colonial-era decisions laid the groundwork for ongoing political and social tensions.
The group’s letter called on the UK Parliament to engage in a dialogue on the Yoruba people’s legitimate aspirations, urging a reassessment of the UK’s foreign policy towards Nigeria to promote justice and stability.
Historical Injustices and Reparations
The letter stressed that the UK’s involvement in the creation of Nigeria resulted in significant disruption to Yoruba autonomy. The movement’s coordinator posed several pointed questions:
- What is the UK government’s understanding of reparative justice concerning the Yoruba people’s historical grievances?
- How does the government plan to address the ongoing calls for self-determination?
- Can the UK support a structured dialogue with the Yoruba Self-Determination Movement (YSDM)?
The movement’s leaders cited the submission of a petition to UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on October 12, 2024, which formally requested Yoruba independence from Nigeria. They criticized what they perceive as the UK government’s lack of responsiveness to these demands, particularly in light of a recent statement by the UK Foreign Secretary predicting Nigeria’s rise as a leading global economy by 2075. The group dismissed this projection as overly optimistic, given the persistent instability, terrorism, and corruption in Nigeria.
Impact on Yoruba Diaspora
The letter also highlighted the toll Nigeria’s challenges take on Yoruba people living in the UK. It noted that many dual nationals experience anxiety and stress due to the political instability and insecurity in their homeland, which directly affects their families and communities. The group asked:
- What measures will the UK government take to support Yoruba-British citizens affected by these issues?
- How will the government address the mental health and welfare challenges linked to the situation in Nigeria?
A Call for Action
The Yoruba National Youth urged the Speaker to facilitate a comprehensive dialogue within the UK Parliament to address their grievances. They framed their demands as not only a matter of justice but also as a way to align the UK’s policies with its stated commitments to fairness, stability, and human rights.
“Reparative justice is not only about acknowledging historical wrongs but also about ensuring a just future,” the group wrote. “How the UK addresses these issues today will shape its legacy for years to come.”
The group concluded by asserting that addressing the Yoruba people’s self-determination aspirations aligns with the broader interests of the United Kingdom, including its citizens of Yoruba descent.
