By The Inter-Party Advisory Council of Oyo state cautioned against a repeat of the infamous “Operation Wetie” crisis of 1962 by warning politicians and their supporters against formenting violence ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a statement signed by its state chairman, Mr Opeyemi Akinade, on Friday, IPAC stated that Oyo, is known as the “Pacesetter State” and it must not recede to the era of political violence, arson and killings that once engulfed the south-West.
“The chaos, arson, and loss of lives from that era serve as a grim reminder of what happens when ambition overrides the collective good” the council stated.
Governor Seyi Makinde once make allusion to the violent political episode in the old Western Region, while hosting a summit of key opposition figures drawing criticism from the All Progressive Congress. He had referenced the “Operation Wetie” violence to caution against One-Party domination in the country.
It’s pertinent to note that “Operation Wetie” occured in the old Western Region after the highly disputed 1965 regional elections, which was alleged to have been rigged in favour of the ruling party.
The council stated that politicians, aspirants and their supporters should allow peace to reign and douse the rising tension of political discourse. They warned that the quest for power must not become a reason to destroy lives and threaten the security of the state. They noted that politics should be about “service and sacrifice, not conflict or confrontation”
“Our traditional rulers are the custodians of our heritage and stabilisers of our communities; dragging these institutions into the murky waters of political insults is a recipe for social instability” the statement noted.
IPAC urged that aspirants who are dissatisfied with the internal processes of their political parties should seek alternative platforms rather than resort to violence.
It further noted that Nigeria’s democracy allows freedom of political association, stating that Oyo State has 21 registered political parties available for politicians.
The council called on security agencies to remain vigilant and neutral while urging residents not to allow themselves to be used as agents of violence by desperate politicians.
