UK-based Nigerian lawyer submits application to renounce citizenship

A UK-based, Nigerian lawyer, Baron Chymaker, has revealed that he has officially started the process of renouncing his Nigerian citizenship.

Chymaker made the announcement in a post on his X account, where he said his legal representative in Nigeria had completed the submission of the necessary documents to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

According to him, all statutory fees connected to the application have also been paid, and he is now awaiting the government’s decision.

“I have today received a confirmation from my lawyer in Nigeria that my application to renounce my Nigerian citizenship has been submitted to the SGF and all fees paid as appropriate. I cannot wait for the approval,” he wrote.

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The UK-based lawyer is widely recognised on social media for commenting on legal issues involving Nigeria and the United Kingdom, as well as discussions on international law and cryptocurrency.

He has consistently criticised aspects of Nigeria’s judicial system, particularly the application of the doctrine of stare decisis, arguing that it has influenced the outcome of some election-related cases.

Chymaker has also repeatedly advised Nigerian-trained lawyers to pursue higher qualifications or explore opportunities to practise in jurisdictions with more developed legal systems.

As of the time of this report, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation had not publicly responded to or confirmed the status of his application.