Oke Denies Anti-Palestinian Claim, Reaffirms Support for Two-State Solution
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.
Oke said he remains committed to Nigeria’s long-standing support for a two-state solution to the Israel–Palestine conflict, describing the allegations as a deliberate attempt to misrepresent his official duties.
In a statement issued by his Senior Legislative Aide, Tunji Iyanda, the lawmaker representing Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency of Osun State said his position aligns fully with Nigeria’s foreign policy and advocacy for peaceful coexistence in the Middle East.
“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 stated.
He clarified that his April 2025 meeting with Ambassador Freeman was formally arranged through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Assembly’s protocol channels.
“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 explained.
Oke said the engagement formed part of parliamentary diplomacy that enables legislators to interact with foreign envoys on issues of mutual interest. He noted that his office had also hosted diplomatic courtesy visits from envoys of the United Kingdom, North Korea, and South Korea.
“Such meetings are routine across legislatures globally. They are neither political endorsements nor personal engagements,” he added.
He expressed concern that his meeting with the Israeli envoy was being “maliciously twisted” to suggest disloyalty to Nigeria’s foreign policy stance.
“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,” Oke said.
The lawmaker further stressed that the conduct of Nigeria’s foreign policy rests solely with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the direction of the Executive Arm, not individual legislators or committees.
He expressed readiness to meet with the Palestinian Ambassador to Nigeria “at the shortest notice,” reiterating his commitment to balanced and principled foreign relations.
Nigeria, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 24, 2025, reaffirmed its support for a two-state solution as the most dignified path to lasting peace between Israel and Palestine.
