British Diplomat Baxter Meets Ooni, Urges Action Against Osun’s Security Crisis

Mr. Jonny Baxter, the Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, has voiced his alarm over the growing insecurity in Osun State, calling the violence a concerning development.

He made this remark on Wednesday, during a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, at his palace.

This is according to a press release signed by the Director, Media and Public Affairs, Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare, and shared with PUNCH Online on Thursday.

Addressing the Ooni and other dignitaries at the gathering, Baxter lamented the destruction of lives and property for political reasons, stating that such violence undermines the peace for which Osun State has long been known.

“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 said.

The British envoy urged the Ooni to take decisive action to restore peace and stability in the state.

He also emphasized the historical ties between Ile-Ife and Britain, drawing a parallel between Buckingham Palace and the House of Oduduwa.

“The first Governor of Western Nigeria, Ooni Adesoji Aderemi, built a very strong institutional relationship with Buckingham Palace in London.

“This relationship was strengthened by your predecessor, Ooni Okunade Sijuwade. Please, do not let the bond break during your reign as the present Ooni of Ife and the overall king of the Yoruba race,” Baxter urged.

In response, Ooni Ogunwusi, speaking on behalf of the Osun State Council of Obas and Chiefs, condemned the political violence and called for an end to the bloodshed.

He urged political actors to prioritize the interests of the state over personal ambitions.

“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,” Ooni Ogunwusi declared.

As co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria, the Ooni extended his condolences to the families of those who had lost their lives and prayed for the quick recovery of the wounded.

He assured the Deputy High Commissioner that traditional rulers in the state were actively working to restore peace and normalcy.

The visit also coincided with the reception of the new Elerin of Erin-Ile in Kwara State, Oba Jimoh Adesoye, who expressed his gratitude to the Ooni for his support during the process leading to his ascension to the throne.

“I deeply appreciate the Ooni for granting us an audience on short notice despite his busy schedule. I also thank him for his unwavering support throughout my journey to the throne,” the Elerin said.

Ooni Ogunwusi, in his prayers for the new Elerin, highlighted the historical ties between Ile-Ife and Erin-Ile and prayed for longevity and prosperity during his reign.

The event was attended by notable 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 Oyagbodun, Olori Sherifat Adesoye, Olori of the Elerin of Erin-Ile, the mother of Olori Mariam Ogunwusi, Sooko Adegboyega Ogunwusi, and members of the Elerin’s council.