Western Nigeria in the early 1960s experienced a period of intense political turmoil marked by street violence, arson, and public disorder. These crises, particularly the events known as Operation Wetie, reflected the bitter rivalry within the Action Group between Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola. The clashes had significant consequences for governance, public trust, and the stability of the First Republic.
The Roots of the Crisis
Following Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the Western Region, dominated by the Action Group (AG), became a centre of political contestation. Ideological differences and personal ambitions divided the party into rival factions. Tensions escalated when Akintola, the regional deputy leader, clashed with Awolowo over policy direction and control of party structures. These disputes laid the foundation for widespread unrest.
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Operation Wetie: Violence and Arson
The term Operation Wetie, meaning “wet him/her,” described the practice of pouring petrol on political opponents or property and setting them alight. The violence was concentrated in urban centres such as Ibadan and Lagos. Supporters of rival factions engaged in street fights, attacked party offices, and intimidated politicians. Arson became a tool of political dominance, creating fear and destabilising local communities.
The 1962 Crisis and Federal Intervention
In 1962, the Western Regional House of Assembly attempted to remove Akintola as Premier. This action triggered violent confrontations within the legislature and among the public. Governor Sir Adesoji Aderemi replaced Akintola with Dauda Adegbenro, prompting further unrest. The federal government declared a state of emergency, sending administrators and security forces to restore order. Fatalities occurred, but deaths were in the hundreds rather than exaggerated figures.
Elections and Renewed Unrest: 1964–1965
The 1964 general elections and the 1965 Western Region elections deepened political instability. Allegations of rigging and voter intimidation led opposition supporters to reject results, resulting in violent protests. Political offices, homes, and property were attacked and set ablaze. These events reinforced perceptions of weak governance and eroded public confidence in regional institutions.
State Weakness and Institutional Strain
The crises in the Western Region reflected institutional strain rather than complete state failure. Police, judiciary, and regional government structures remained operational, but they were overpowered by factional politics. Federal interventions through states of emergency were necessary to restore order, highlighting the limited capacity of regional institutions to manage internal disputes effectively.
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Impact and Legacy
The political violence of the early 1960s in Western Nigeria had lasting effects. It created a culture of fear, undermined the legitimacy of elected officials, and demonstrated the fragility of political institutions in a newly independent state. These events were among the factors that contributed to the conditions leading to the January 1966 military coup. Operation Wetie remains a historical example of how political rivalry can escalate into widespread civil disorder.
Author’s Note
This article presents a factual account of Western Nigeria’s political violence in the 1960s. Readers should understand that Operation Wetie and the unrest during the 1964–65 elections were products of intra-party rivalries and electoral disputes. The crises caused widespread arson, intimidation, and institutional strain but did not result in total state collapse. The key takeaway is the enduring lesson of how weak conflict resolution and partisan politics can destabilise governance, disrupt communities, and shape national history.
References
- International Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies, Vol. 6, No. 1 —analysis of election violence and breakdown of order.
- EBSU Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities — 1965 Western Region elections, arson and disorder.
