Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde referenced the historical ‘Operation Wetie’ at an opposition summit in Ibadan, prompting criticism from the APC and defense from the PDP. The APC called the remark an incitement to violence, while the PDP described it as a cautionary warning against political repression. The clash underscores tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.
At the National Summit of Opposition Political Parties in Ibadan on Saturday, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde warned against the consolidation of legislative power under one party, referencing the 1960s ‘Operation Wetie’ violence that began in the Western Region.
“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.
‘Operation Wetie,’ derived from a Yoruba phrase meaning ‘wet him,’ involved opposition figures being doused in petrol and set alight after the disputed 1965 Western Region elections.
On Sunday, the All Progressives Congress (APC) issued a statement through National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka condemning Makinde’s words as reckless incitement that could spark anarchy. “By his incitement to violence, Makinde has showed himself to be unworthy of the high office of Governor that he occupies,” the APC said, calling on security agencies to hold him accountable despite constitutional immunity.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) defended Makinde in a statement by National Publicity Secretary Comrade Ini Ememobong, insisting the reference was a historical caution to the APC and federal institutions against suppressing opposition. “The use of history in the way and manner done by Governor Makinde... served as a caution and advisory,” the PDP stated, accusing the APC of hypocrisy by recalling its past threats like the ‘baboon and blood’ narrative and pledges to make the country ungovernable.
