Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has warned against political trends that could lead to one-party dominance in Nigeria, referencing the violent events of “Operation Wetie” as a historical lesson.
He noted that the crisis, which erupted in Nigeria’s western region during the mid-1960s, had its epicenter in Ibadan and left a lasting impact on the country’s political development.
“Operation Wetie,” a term drawn from the Yoruba expression meaning “wet him” or “soak it,” described a period of severe unrest in which political opponents, their residences, and vehicles were doused with petrol and set ablaze. The violence reflected deep partisan divisions and contributed to widespread instability at the time.
Makinde’s remarks serve as a reminder of the consequences of unchecked political rivalry and the importance of maintaining a pluralistic democratic space.
By invoking the history of Ibadan’s role in that era, he underscored the need for political actors to uphold tolerance, protect democratic institutions, and prevent the conditions that historically fueled conflict.
