King Charles hosted President Bola Tinubu and the first lady, Oluremi to an elaborate reception while welcoming them to Windsor palace followed by a spectacular state banquet where he praised the strengths of Nigeria’s partnership with the UK.

After greeting the 160 guests in the Yoruba language, the King spoke of the “living bridge” of the Nigerian community in the UK, in a speech in St George’s Hall at Windsor Castle.

Beyond the spectacle of the state visit, Nigeria diaspora groups in the UK have expressed dissatisfaction with the Ambassador, Mohammed Maidugu who they accused in a letter shared with BHR of exclusion from the planning and organisation of the landmark visit.

The leaders of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK (CANUK) and Nigerians in Diaspora organisation (NIDO South), expressed disappointment in the high commission whom they acknowledged close work relationships in the past when past presidents visited the UK.

In the letter signed by the chairman of CANUK, Dr. lly Maisanda and Niyi Zachcheus of NIDO, the two organisations that prides itself of as having the largest membership number of Nigerians resident in the UK accused the embassy of sidelining reputable Nigerian diaspora organisations and lack of proper planning and communication throughout the activities preceding the landmark visit.