20th February 2025
Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jonny Baxter, has voiced concern over the security challenges in Osun State, calling the rising violence a troubling issue.
He made the remark on Wednesday during a visit to the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, at his palace.
This was stated in a press release by the Ooni’s Palace Director of Media and Public Affairs, Moses Olafare, and shared with PUNCH Online on Thursday.
Speaking to the Ooni and other dignitaries, Baxter condemned the political violence in Osun State, stating that it threatens the state’s long-standing peace.
“I have known Osun State to be peaceful for the past 15 years. The destruction of lives and property for political reasons is deeply regrettable,” he said.
The British envoy urged the Ooni to take decisive steps to restore peace in Osun State.
He also highlighted the historical ties between Ile-Ife and Britain, comparing Buckingham Palace to the House of Oduduwa.
“The first Governor of Western Nigeria, Ooni Adesoji Aderemi, established a strong institutional relationship with Buckingham Palace. This bond was further strengthened by Ooni Okunade Sijuwade. Please, ensure it remains unbroken during your reign,” Baxter said.
Ooni Ogunwusi, speaking on behalf of the Osun State Council of Obas and Chiefs, urged politicians to embrace peace, emphasizing that no individual is greater than the state.
As Co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, he extended condolences to families of those who lost their lives and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
He assured the British envoy that traditional rulers were actively working to restore peace in the state.
The visit also coincided with the reception of the new Elerin of Erin-Ile, Oba Jimoh Adesoye, who expressed gratitude to the Ooni for his support during his journey to the throne.
Ooni Ogunwusi, while praying for the new Elerin, emphasized the historical connection between Ile-Ife and Erin-Ile, wishing him a long and prosperous reign.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including the Obalufe of Ife, high chiefs, the Olojoku of Ojoku, Oba Abdulrasak Adegboyega Afolabi, the Elerin of Erin-Osun, Oba Yusuf Oyagbodun, Olori Sherifat Adesoye, Olori Mariam Ogunwusi’s mother, Sooko Adegboyega Ogunwusi, and members of the Elerin’s council.
