The Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jonny Baxter, has raised concerns over the growing insecurity in Osun State, describing the recent violence as alarming. He made these remarks on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, at his palace.
According to a statement signed by the Ooni’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, and shared with PUNCH Online on Thursday, Baxter expressed his distress over the destruction of lives and property due to political unrest.
“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,” Baxter said.
He urged the Ooni to take proactive steps in restoring peace and stability in the state.
Baxter also emphasized the historical ties between Ile-Ife and Britain, referencing the strong institutional relationship built between Buckingham Palace and the House of Oduduwa by past Yoruba monarchs, including Ooni Adesoji Aderemi and Ooni Okunade Sijuwade.
In response, Ooni Ogunwusi, representing the Osun State Council of Obas and Chiefs, denounced the violence and called for an immediate end to the bloodshed.
“The destruction of lives and properties for political gains is unwarranted. Osun has been known for its 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 Co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, he extended condolences to the families of victims and assured the British envoy that traditional rulers were actively working to restore peace.
The visit coincided with the reception of the newly appointed Elerin of Erin-Ile in Kwara State, Oba Jimoh Adesoye, who expressed gratitude to the Ooni for his support during his ascension to the throne.
Dignitaries at the event included 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 Oyagbodun, Olori Sherifat Adesoye, Olori Mariam Ogunwusi’s mother, Sooko Adegboyega Ogunwusi, and members of the Elerin’s council.
