The Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jonny Baxter, has expressed deep concern over the rising insecurity in Osun State. He made this known during a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, at the Ile Oodua Palace on Wednesday, February 19, 2025.
During the visit, Mr. Baxter lamented the growing violence in the state, particularly its impact on lives and property. “I have known Osun State to be a peaceful place for the past 15 years. Seeing and hearing about the destruction of lives and properties for political reasons is deeply condemnable,” he stated.
He urged the Ooni, as the paramount ruler of the Yoruba people, to take decisive steps to restore peace and stability in the state.
Highlighting the historical ties between Ile-Ife and Britain, Mr. Baxter noted the long-standing relationship between the House of Oduduwa and Buckingham Palace. He appealed to the Ooni to strengthen this bond, recalling the diplomatic strides made by past Yoruba monarchs.
“The first Governor of Western Nigeria, Ooni Adesoji Aderemi, built a strong institutional relationship with Buckingham Palace. This was further strengthened by your predecessor, Ooni Okunade Sijuwade. Please, do not let this bond weaken during your reign,” he urged.
In response, Ooni Ogunwusi, speaking on behalf of the Osun State Council of Obas and Chiefs, condemned the recent violence and called on political actors to prioritize peace over personal ambitions.
“The destruction of lives and properties for political gains is unwarranted. Osun has been known for peace and harmony over the years, as the British Deputy High Commissioner has noted. I, on behalf of the Osun State Council of Obas and Chiefs, call on all politicians in Osun State to sheath their swords and remember that no one is greater than the state,” the Ooni declared.
As the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), the Ooni also extended his condolences to the families of those affected by the violence and prayed for the quick recovery of the injured. He assured the British envoy that traditional rulers in the state were actively intervening to restore peace and stability.
The visit coincided with the reception of the newly installed Elerin of Erin-Ile, Kwara State, His Royal Majesty, Oba Jimph Adebowale Adesoye, Adetona I. The monarch expressed his gratitude to the Ooni for granting them an audience despite his busy schedule.
Oba Adesoye also used the occasion to thank the Ooni for his unwavering support during the process leading to his ascension to the throne.
In response, Ooni Ogunwusi prayed for the new Elerin, invoking the historical ties between Ile-Ife and Erin-Ile for a long and prosperous reign.
The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including the Obalufe of Ife, prominent high chiefs, the Olojoku of Ojoku in Kwara State, Oba Abdulrasak Adegboyega Afolabi, the Elerin of Erin-Osun in Osun State, Oba Yusuf Omoloye Oyagbodun, and Olori Sherifat Ayodele Adesoye. Others included the mother of Olori Mariam Ogunwusi, Sooko Adegboyega Ogunwusi, the Elerin-in-Council, and other distinguished guests.
