Senator Dino Melaye has called on King Charles III of the United Kingdom (UK) to cancel the proposed state visit of Bola Tinubu to the UK.
Melaye requested it in an open letter addressed to the British monarch and shared on his X handle. The letter was titled “Open Letter to His Majesty King Charles III: Immediate Request to Cancel the Proposed State Visit of Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria.”
In the letter, the former lawmaker introduced himself by disclosing his native name, family lineage, educational qualifications and background.
He explained that the detailed introduction was intended to demonstrate that he was writing not as an outsider, but from within what he described as a shared network of history, relationships and national interest connecting Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Melaye outlined several reasons for urging the British monarch to cancel the visit. He argued that Nigeria is currently facing severe internal challenges, including terrorism, kidnapping, mass killings and banditry, and maintained that honouring Tinubu with a state visit would amount to ignoring the gravity of the situation.
He further stated that Tinubu is not regarded by millions of Nigerians as a legitimate national unifier revealing that his administration has been surrounded by significant public controversy.
According to Melaye, there are accusations of institutional capture and widespread doubts about the president’s academic records, biography and personal history.
“A state visit would be interpreted as Britain giving him credibility. That would be a historic mistake,” Melaye wrote.
The former senator also expressed concern about the state of Nigeria’s democracy, referencing the forthcoming 2027 general elections. He said many Nigerians believe the polls could be influenced by what he described as “powerful forces.”
Melaye additionally highlighted economic hardship in the country, citing hunger, poverty, unemployment and widespread insecurity.
“To invite Tinubu to drink champagne in Britain while Nigerians are slaughtered and the nation collapses economically would be interpreted as a cruel insult,” he stated, adding that “The Crown must not be used as political propaganda.”
The letter has generated reactions among Nigerians, with some debating whether King Charles III will respond to or act on the request. As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from Buckingham Palace.
Read Full Letter Here:
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