UK-Based Nigerian Lawyer Begins Citizenship Renunciation Process

(Nigerian passport. Photo Credit: Punch News)

A UK-based Nigerian legal practitioner, Baron Chymaker, says he has formally begun the process of renouncing his Nigerian citizenship.

Chymaker said his lawyer in Nigeria had confirmed that his application had been submitted to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, alongside the required fees.

He disclosed this in a post on social media on Thursday, stating that he had received confirmation from his lawyer in Nigeria that his application to renounce his Nigerian citizenship had been submitted to the SGF and that all fees had been paid as required, adding that he could not wait for the approval.

Chymaker is known for his commentary on international law, UK and Nigerian legal practice, and cryptocurrency on social media.

He has frequently criticised aspects of Nigeria's judicial system, particularly around the doctrine of judicial precedent, and had earlier described the reliance on stare decisis in Nigerian courts as unfair, linking it to certain outcomes in election tribunal cases.

He has also urged Nigerian-trained lawyers to pursue advanced courses or consider practising in more developed jurisdictions, a position he has reiterated on his social media platform.

As of the time of this report, the SGF's office had not issued a statement on Chymaker's application.