Senator Dino Melaye has written an open letter to British Monarch, King Charles III, requesting for the immediate “cancellation or postponement” of the proposed State visit of the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Royal Family earlier in February announced, King Charles III will welcome President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Windsor Castle for a State visit in March.
In his Open Letter to King Charles III, Melaye said, the “matter” in Nigeria is “grave”. He added, “Nigeria is not stable”.
Senator Dino Melaye’s Open Letter to King Charles III requesting immediate “cancellation or postponement” President Tinubu’s State visit
“Re: Immediate Request to Cancel the Proposed State Visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria
“Your Majesty,
“I write this letter with the respect due to the Crown, but also with urgency, seriousness, and moral clarity.
“My name is Kio Amachree. I am a Nigerian political scientist and a citizen whose family history is deeply woven into the constitutional and political foundation of Nigeria.
“My grandfather was Chief Sekin Amachree, a historic Kalabari leader whose name remains well known in the Niger Delta and within the broader story of Nigeria’s early political development. My late father, Chief Godfrey Kio JaJa Amachree, QC, was not only Nigeria’s first Solicitor-General and Acting Attorney-General, but also served at international level as Africa’s first Under-Secretary-General. He was a statesman of the highest calibre and a man whose public service was rooted in integrity, discipline, and duty.
“I was educated at Eton College between 1970 and 1975, and I remain closely connected to the United Kingdom. During my years at Eton I formed a close and lasting friendship with Sir Nicholas Coleridge, now Provost of Eton College, who was a good friend to me during my time at the school. Sir Nicholas is well known to Your Majesty and is part of the British establishment at the highest level.
“I mention this for one reason only:
“I am not writing from the outside. I am writing from within the network of history, relationships, and serious national interest that connects Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
“This matter is grave.
“Your Majesty, I respectfully but firmly request that you cancel or immediately postpone any state visit, formal invitation, or ceremonial reception involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria.
“1. Nigeria Is Not Stable: A State Visit Is a Strategic and Security Error
Nigeria today is a nation close to rupture.
The country faces:
• collapsing confidence in democratic institutions
• severe economic hardship and inflation
Nigeria is divided to a level approaching national fracture.
Under these circumstances, a state visit in London would not be diplomacy. It would be denial.
3. Nigeria’s Democracy Is in Danger
Nigeria is approaching the 2027 election cycle with fear and distrust.
Many Nigerians believe powerful forces intend to manipulate the electoral process again, pushing the country toward political unrest and potential collapse.
4. The Optics Are Morally Offensive
Millions of Nigerians are suffering:
• hunger and inflation
• unemployment and despair
• insecurity that has become routine
• families destroyed by violence and kidnappings
To invite Tinubu to drink champagne in Britain…will fuel anger across Nigeria.”
OPEN LETTER TO HIS MAJESTY KING CHARLES III
— Senator Dino Melaye. (SDM) (@_dinomelaye) February 22, 2026
Re: Immediate Request to Cancel the Proposed State Visit of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria
Your Majesty,
I write this letter with the respect due to the Crown, but also with urgency, seriousness, and moral clarity.
My name is… pic.twitter.com/7gtqEv7Ped
