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| Wole Oke. |
The Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Wole Oke, has dismissed reports suggesting that his meeting with the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Michael Freeman, implied opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state.
He clarified that he remains in full support of Nigeria’s established stance, which advocates a two-state solution to the Israel–Palestine conflict.
In a statement released by his Senior Legislative Aide, Tunji Iyanda, Oke described recent media reports and social media discussions in Nigeria portraying him as anti-Palestinian as deliberate distortions of his official duties.
Representing the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun State, the lawmaker reaffirmed his dedication to Nigeria’s foreign policy principles and its commitment to peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine.
“Nigeria’s position on the Israeli–Palestinian conflict has always been clear—support for a two-state solution, respect for international law, and advocacy for Palestinian self-determination. I fully align with this stance,” Oke said.
He explained that his meeting with Ambassador Freeman, held in April 2025, was officially arranged through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Assembly’s protocol channels, dismissing claims that it was a private engagement.
“The request for the Ambassador’s visit was officially transmitted through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and processed via the National Assembly’s protocol channels. It was not a private or personal engagement,” he stated.
Oke noted that the meeting was part of Nigeria’s parliamentary diplomacy, which enables legislators to interact with foreign diplomats on matters of mutual interest and cooperation. He added that his office had also hosted courtesy visits from envoys representing countries such as the United Kingdom, North Korea, and South Korea as part of normal diplomatic engagement.
“Such meetings are routine across legislatures globally. They are neither political endorsements nor personal engagements,” he added.
He expressed disappointment that his interaction with the Israeli envoy was being intentionally distorted to portray him as acting against Nigeria’s foreign policy stance, calling the reports “malicious and misleading”.
“The materials in circulation are part of a deliberate smear campaign designed to misrepresent my official engagements and falsely portray me as acting contrary to Nigeria’s national interest. Nothing could be farther from the truth,” he said.
Oke stressed that the conduct of Nigeria’s foreign policy is the sole responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which operates under the authority of the Executive Arm of Government, not any legislator or parliamentary committee.
He also declared his willingness to meet with the Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria “at the shortest notice”, reaffirming his commitment to maintaining balanced and principled foreign relations.
Nigeria, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, reiterated its support for a two-state solution at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 24, 2025, describing it as the most honourable path toward lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.
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