Politics
What Does Makinde’s ‘Operation Wetie’ Allusion Mean in Nigerian Politics?
Wetie described dousing political opponents, their houses, cars, or properties with petrol and setting them ablaze.
Photo: Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, had during Saturday April 25 Ibadan meeting of opposition parties (PDP and ADC) cautioned the Federal Government against suppressing the political will of Nigerians, recalling that the historic ‘Operation We tie’ crisis began in Ibadan.
Operation “We tie” was a violent political uprising that took place in Western Nigeria in 1965. It stemmed from a 1962 power struggle within the ruling Action Group party between Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, which later escalated following the disputed 1965 elections.
In a communique issued after the meeting, the opposition leaders warned the APC-led Federal Government against turning Nigeria into a one-party state, vowing to resist such moves.
They announced plans to present a joint presidential candidate against the ruling party in the 2027 election.
“Wetie”in Nigerian politics refers to Operation Wetie.
Literally it means “wet him/her” in Yoruba. From Yoruba “wẹ̀ ẹ́” = “soak it” or “wet him/her”.
Wetie described dousing political opponents, their houses, cars, or properties with petrol and setting them ablaze.
Historical context
It was the name given to the wave of political violence that rocked Nigeria’s Western Region in the mid-1960s, especially after the disputed 1965 Western Region elections.
The elections were widely alleged to be rigged in favor of the ruling faction, sparking riots, arson, and killings.
“Wild Wild West”
Because of the chaos, the Western Region was nicknamed the “Wild Wild West”.
The breakdown helped trigger the collapse of Nigeria’s First Republic and paved the way for the January 1966 military coup.
How it’s used in politics today
Politicians invoke “Operation Wetie” as a warning about political intolerance, rigging, and one-party dominance.
Recent example
In April 2026, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde referenced it at an opposition summit in Ibadan.
He said:
“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”.
He was cautioning against moves toward one-party rule and the weakening of opposition parties.
The APC criticized the remark as “reckless incitement to violence”.
Key lessons tied to it
1. Political rivalry shouldn’t override peace – The 1965 crisis showed how disputed elections and intolerance can spiral into arson and killings.
2. Danger of weak opposition
“Wetie” is now shorthand for what happens when democratic checks fail and power is overly consolidated.
3. Historical memory – 60 years later, it’s still used to remind leaders: those who do not know history are doomed to repeat its failures”.
So when you hear “wetie” in Nigerian politics today, it’s basically code for political violence triggered by rigging/exclusion and politicians use it to warn against repeating that dark chapter.
Want me to break down what actually happened in the 1965 Western Region election that started it?
(Credit: Metal AI)
Politics
HAPPENING NOW: Security Beefed up at INEC Office in Osun Ahead of Saturday’s Governorship Election
Security has been significantly intensified at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office along Gbongan-Ibadan Road in Osogbo as Osun State prepares for the governorship election scheduled for Saturday, 15 August 2026.
Large numbers of security personnel, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force, have been sighted on the premises. Preparations for their deployment across the state’s 30 local government areas are ongoing.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner for Osun, Oluwatoyin Babalola, is meeting with National Commissioners and supporting Resident Electoral Commissioners from other states to finalise arrangements for the poll.
Election stakeholders, including representatives of civil society organisations, journalists and observers, are also present at the INEC office.
The election will take place across 3,763 polling units in 332 wards.
Politics
Osun governorship election will be transparent, says INEC
The election will hold in 332 wards spread across 30 local government areas
• INEC ballot papers
INEC has reassured political parties, civil society organisations, media and the good people of Osun State of its total readiness to conduct a free, fair, credible, transparent, and inclusive election.
National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Mohammed Haruna , gave the assurance , yesterday, disclosing that the ballot papers and result sheets have arrived in Osogbo, the state capital.
They were sent to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office, from where they will be distributed to other parts of the state.
The ballot papers and result sheets were reprinted following a court judgment which ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to put the name of the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on the ballot.
With this addition, 15 candidates are now in the race.
The election will hold in 332 wards spread across 30 local government areas, “ he said.
Politics
Osun Election: President Tinubu mobilises Voters “Go Out to Vote Candidate of Your Choice on Saturday Without Fear
As part of efforts to ensure security during the Osun State election, Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, announced the prohibition of state government-established security outfits, quasi-security groups, and private security organisations from participating in election-security duties.
• Osun governorship candidates
President Bola Tinubu has call out to the people of the state to go out on Saturday and vote the candidates of their choice without fear of molestation by political thugs.
President Tinubu also enjoined all political stakeholders to desist from violence, intimidation, and harassment, and embrace peace before, during, and after the governorship election.
The president spoke through the Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the grand finale of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign.
Akpabio assured that the government had put in place enough security measures to ensure free, fair, and credible election tomorrow.
“Let me assure all Osun indigenes that adequate security have been provided all over the state to ensure people come out to cast their votes for the candidate of their choice without any fear or intimidation,” he said.
Recall that as part of efforts to ensure security during the Osun State election, Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, announced the prohibition of state government-established security outfits, quasi-security groups, and private security organisations from participating in election-security duties.
HAPPENING NOW: Security Beefed up at INEC Office in Osun Ahead of Saturday’s Governorship Election
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