The political atmosphere has heated up following comments made by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, during an opposition political summit, where he referenced the historic “Operation Wetie” crisis in Nigeria’s South-West region.
Makinde had cautioned against what he described as the dangers of a one-party system, warning politicians to remember past political violence in the region.
APC reacts strongly:
The political atmosphere has heated up following comments made by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, during an opposition political summit, where he referenced the historic “Operation Wetie” crisis in Nigeria’s South-West region.
Makinde had cautioned against what he described as the dangers of a one-party system, warning politicians to remember past political violence in the region.
APC reacts strongly
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) strongly condemned the governor’s remarks, describing them as reckless and inciting.
Speaking on national television, APC’s national spokesman, Felix Morka, accused Makinde of using his position to make inflammatory statements that could heighten tension.
He argued that as a sitting governor and chief security officer of his state, Makinde ought to exercise restraint in his public comments.
According to him, leaders must promote peace and stability rather than referencing historical violence in a way that could be misinterpreted or trigger unrest.
What “Operation Wetie” means
The phrase “Operation Wetie” refers to a violent political era in the 1960s in the South-West, especially in Ibadan, where political conflicts escalated into widespread destruction.
The term itself came from a Yoruba expression meaning “wet him,” which was associated with acts of political arson and retaliation during that period.
Opposition chieftain defends Makinde
However, not everyone agrees with APC’s interpretation.
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ladan Salihu, defended the governor’s statement, saying it was meant as a historical warning rather than an incitement.
He argued that Makinde was simply drawing attention to growing political and economic tensions in the country, warning that ignoring such signs could be dangerous.
According to him, the current realities—ranging from insecurity to economic hardship—make it important for leaders to reflect on lessons from the past.
Rising political tension
The exchange highlights the growing political sensitivity in Nigeria as parties trade words over governance, democracy, and national stability.
While APC insists Makinde crossed a line, opposition voices argue that his comments were a wake-up call rather than a call for violence.
For now, the debate continues—reflecting deeper divisions in the country’s political landscape.
ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) strongly condemned the governor’s remarks, describing them as reckless and inciting.
Speaking on national television, APC’s national spokesman, Felix Morka, accused Makinde of using his position to make inflammatory statements that could heighten tension.
He argued that as a sitting governor and chief security officer of his state, Makinde ought to exercise restraint in his public comments.
According to him, leaders must promote peace and stability rather than referencing historical violence in a way that could be misinterpreted or trigger unrest.
What “Operation Wetie” means
The phrase “Operation Wetie” refers to a violent political era in the 1960s in the South-West, especially in Ibadan, where political conflicts escalated into widespread destruction.
The term itself came from a Yoruba expression meaning “wet him,” which was associated with acts of political arson and retaliation during that period.
Opposition chieftain defends Makinde
However, not everyone agrees with APC’s interpretation.
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ladan Salihu, defended the governor’s statement, saying it was meant as a historical warning rather than an incitement.
He argued that Makinde was simply drawing attention to growing political and economic tensions in the country, warning that ignoring such signs could be dangerous.
According to him, the current realities—ranging from insecurity to economic hardship—make it important for leaders to reflect on lessons from the past.
Rising political tension
The exchange highlights the growing political sensitivity in Nigeria as parties trade words over governance, democracy, and national stability.
While APC insists Makinde crossed a line, opposition voices argue that his comments were a wake-up call rather than a call for violence.
For now, the debate continues—reflecting deeper divisions in the country’s political landscape.
