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)

Police on Wednesday disrupted a planned political gathering of supporters of former governor Gbenga Daniel at his GRA residence Ijebu-Ode Local Government area of Ogun State.

The incident is the latest twist in the deepening political rift between Daniel and Governor Dapo Abiodun, both prominent figures within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

“Police stormed the Obanta Club area and blockaded OGD’s residence to deny access to the venue of the BAT/OGD Community Assessment and Review Tour scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2026,” said an aide to the former governor, who currently represents Ogun East Senatorial District in the 10th Senate.

It was learned that security agents blocked all access routes to Daniel’s residence, effectively preventing members of the group from holding their meeting.

The BAT/OGD; Bola Ahmed Tinubu/Otunba Gbenga Daniel Movement, is a grassroots political platform mobilising support for President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid in 2027, alongside Daniel’s anticipated return to the Senate.

The programme, convened under the Gateway Front Foundation; an initiative of Senator Daniel, has traditionally served as a platform for empowering constituents across the senatorial district.It was gathered that no fewer than 10,000 beneficiaries were expected to benefit from the outreach.

However, the heavy presence of security operatives reportedly forced organisers and participants to abandon the event.

Eyewitnesses said many supporters were left stranded and visibly distraught, as they could not gain entry to the venue due to the blockade.

The Supreme Court has reserved its judgment in the appeal filed by factional National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in relation to the leadership dispute in the party.

A five-member panel, headed by Justice Mohammed Garba announced on Wednesday that the date of judgment would be communicated to lawyers who represented parties.

The judge or bench takes time to carefully consider complex evidence, arguments, and legal precedents, often issuing a written decision later.

Justice Garba made the announcement after lawyers to parties adopted their various briefs and prayed the court to grant their reliefs.

Mark’s appeal, marked: SC/CV/180/2026 is against the March 12 judgment of the Court of Appeal, which dismissed his appeal against the September 4, 2025 ruling by Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court in Abuja refusing to grant some injunctive reliefs contained in an ex-parte application filed by a chieftain of the party, Nafiu Bala Gombe.