The Deputy British High Commissioner, paid a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Arole Oduduwa, Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, at his Ile Oodua Palace on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. The delegation expressed their concern over the growing insecurity in Osun State.
Speaking at the gathering, the Deputy British High Commissioner, Mr Jonny Baxter expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Osun State.
“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 remarked.
He further urged the Ooni, as the paramount leader of the Yoruba people, to take decisive steps to restore the peace and tranquility for which the state is known.
Emphasizing the historical ties between Ile-Ife and Britain, he noted the similarities between Buckingham Palace and the House of Oduduwa. He appealed to the Ooni to strengthen this bond for the mutual growth of both cultural institutions.
“The first Governor of Western Nigeria Ooni Adesoji Aderemi was able to build a very strong institutional relationship with the Buckingham palace in London, this relationship was strengthened by your predecessor Ooni Okunade Sijuwade, please don’t let the the bond break during your reign as the present Ooni of Ife and the overall king of Yoruba race.” He said.
Responding on behalf of the Osun State Council Of Obas and Chiefs, the Ooni Ogunwusi condemned the violence and urged political actors in the state to prioritize peace over personal ambitions reminding the politicians that no one is bigger than the state.
“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 Commissioner here 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.
The Ooni who doubles as Co-chairman, National Council Of Traditional Rulers Of Nigeria (NCTRN) commiserates with the families of the deceased and prayed for the quick recovery of the wounded ones, assuring the British High Commissioner that traditional rulers in the state have intervened in the matter and that efforts are being made to restore normalcy and peace in Osun.
In his remarks, the new Elerin of Erin-Ile in Kwara state, HRM Oba Jimph Adebowale Adesoye, Adetona I who was simultaneously received with the visiting British Deputy High Commissioner,
extended his heartfelt appreciation to the Ooni for granting them audience on short notice despite his busy schedule.
He also used the opportunity to thank the revered monarch for his unwavering support during the process leading to his ascension to the throne.
The Elerin prayed for the Ooni’s continued strength, wisdom, and long life as he discharges his duties as the Arole Oduduwa, fostering unity and progress among the Yoruba people.
While praying for the new Elerin of Erinle, Ooni Ogunwusi invoked the historical ties between Ile-Ife and Erin-Ile to seek logevity and prosperity for his reign.
The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including the Obalufe of Ife, notable high chiefs, the Olojoku of Ojoku also in Kwara state, Oba Abdulrasak Adegboyega Afolabi, the Elerin of Erin Osun in Osun state Oba Yusuf Omoloye Oyagbodun, Olori Sherifat Ayodele Adesoye, Olori of Elerin of Erin-Ile, the mother of Olori Mariam Ogunwusi, Sooko Adegboyega Ogunwusi, Elerin in council and other distinguished guests.
Signed:
Otunba Moses Olafare,
Director, Media & Public Affairs,
Ooni’s Palace,
