Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, has invoked the violent political history of “Operation Wetie” to caution against moves towards one-party domination in Nigeria.
“Operation Wetie” was a campaign of intense political
violence that rocked Nigeria’s western region, with its epicentre in Ibadan, in
the mid-1960s.
The term, derived from the Yoruba phrase meaning “wet him”
or “soak it,” described the practice of dousing political opponents, their
homes and vehicles with petrol before setting them ablaze.
It erupted after the highly disputed 1965 western region
elections, which were widely alleged to have been rigged in favour of the
ruling faction, effectively sidelining the opposition
Speaking at the national summit of All Opposition Political
Party Leaders in Ibadan, Makinde raised concerns over growing efforts to
consolidate legislative control under one party while opposition parties
grapple with internal crises and legal battles.
“For those that are carrying on as if there’s no tomorrow.
They should remember that “operation wetie” started from here. This is the same
Wild Wild West,” Makinde said.
“Back in 1950, this city hosted a conversation that helped
shape Nigeria’s constitutional future. Those discussions were not perfect but
necessary. They were driven by a recognition that the structure of the nation
was a deliberately built, protected and well necessary debated. In many ways,
this gathering carries the same responsibility.
“There are open efforts to consolidate legislative control
under one party. At the same time, opposition parties are increasingly
entangled in internal crises and legal battles that raise serious questions
about their ability to function effectively.”
He cautioned that such developments should not be treated
lightly, adding that it’s not the time for opposition leaders to be disengaged
from politics.
“This is not something that we should treat lightly. I don’t
want to think saboteurs are here. Because democracy is not destroyed overnight,
it is weakened step by step until people begin to feel it no longer works for
them,” he said.
“When opposition becomes ineffective, democracy itself loses
meaning. Democracy is not defined by the success of one party, it is defined by
the existence of real alternatives. By the ability of citizens to choose.”
Makinde said the summit was not motivated by personal
ambitions or vendettas.
“This meeting is not a gang up against one man. And it’s not
about individual ambition to be president; it is about the collective ambition
of the Nigerian people to have a democracy that is properly defined,” he said.
“No matter how strong a party becomes or how popular any
government may appear, the presence of credible opposition is not a threat to
democracy.”
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