British Envoy Raises Alarm Over Insecurity in Osun
The British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Jonny Baxter, has voiced concerns over the rising insecurity in Osun State, following violent clashes between members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) over local government control.
Baxter condemned the killings and destruction of property caused by the political unrest, urging all stakeholders to prioritize peace and security over political rivalry. He made this statement during a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, as conveyed in a press release by the monarch’s media director, Moses Olafare.
The British diplomat appealed to the Ooni, as a prominent leader of the Yoruba people, to take decisive action to restore peace in the state. Baxter expressed disappointment over the violence, stating, “Osun State has been a peaceful place for the past 15 years. Seeing and hearing about political violence and destruction is deeply concerning.”
Highlighting the historical ties between Britain and Ile-Ife, he urged the Ooni to strengthen the connection between the House of Oduduwa and Buckingham Palace, recalling how past Yoruba leaders built strong diplomatic relationships with Britain.
In response, Oba Ogunwusi, speaking on behalf of the Osun State Council of Obas and Chiefs, condemned the violence and called on politicians to put peace above personal ambitions. “Osun has always been a land of peace and harmony. I urge all political actors to sheath their swords and remember that no one is bigger than the state,” he stated.
The monarch reassured Baxter that traditional rulers were actively working to resolve the crisis and restore calm in Osun State.
