The Western Region Crisis (1962–1965) stands as one of the most significant political upheavals of Nigeria’s First Republic. Rooted in factional disputes within the Action Group (AG), the conflict escalated into widespread unrest, challenging regional governance and exposing weaknesses in federal–regional relations. Beyond local instability, the crisis demonstrated the vulnerability of early Nigerian democratic institutions to personal rivalries, ideological divergence, and federal manipulation.
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Background: Politics in the Western Region
At independence in 1960, the Western Region, primarily Yoruba, was politically advanced and economically vibrant. Under Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the AG pioneered free primary education, rural development programmes, and the launch of Western Nigeria Television (WNTV), Africa’s first television station (Falola & Heaton, 2008). These reforms created a governance model admired across Nigeria.
When Awolowo stepped down as Premier to participate in federal politics, Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola assumed the premiership. Differences emerged: Awolowo favoured firm opposition to the federal NPC–NCNC coalition to safeguard regional autonomy, while Akintola preferred cooperation with the federal government for pragmatic political and economic advantages. Personal rivalry, ideological divergence, and competition over patronage deepened divisions within the AG.
Root Causes of the Crisis
- Ideological and Strategic Differences: Awolowo emphasised opposition to the federal coalition, while Akintola sought accommodation to protect immediate interests.
- Factionalism among elites: Supporters of each leader formed distinct power blocs, polarising public opinion and regional institutions.
- Federal Intervention: The federal government, concerned about AG dominance, deployed constitutional measures to restore order, perceived by local factions as biased (Dudley, 1968).
- Economic and Patronage Pressures: Cocoa revenues and government appointments became central points of conflict.
Key Events: Deadlock and Emergency Rule
By May 1962, the Western Region House of Assembly descended into physical confrontations, with legislators and supporters clashing in Ibadan. Governor Sir Adesoji Aderemi faced a constitutional crisis: efforts to remove Akintola were contested, prompting federal involvement.
Using constitutional provisions to address the deadlock, the federal government appointed Dr Moses Majekodunmi temporarily to oversee administration and restore order. Political gatherings were restricted, newspapers censored, and prominent AG leaders, including Awolowo, were detained and later tried for treasonable felony (Sklar, 1963; Dudley, 1968). Emergency measures stabilised formal governance but failed to resolve underlying factional tensions.
Political Realignments and Federal Maneuvers
- Mid-Western Region Creation (1963): While minority agitation primarily motivated its creation, AG instability in the West expedited federal approval (Falola & Heaton, 2008).
- Formation of NNDP: Akintola’s alignment with the federal NPC marginalised Awolowo loyalists, consolidating pro-federal power.
- Republican Constitution (1963): Nigeria transitioned to a republic with Nnamdi Azikiwe as President amid ongoing regional unrest.
The 1965 Western Regional Election and “Operation Wetie”
By October 1965, elections in the Western Region reignited tensions. Allegations of fraud and manipulation by Akintola’s NNDP led to violent reprisals, locally termed “Operation Wetie”. Houses were burnt, urban centres such as Ibadan and Ogbomosho were disrupted, and several lives were lost. The unrest revealed the collapse of democratic norms and foreshadowed the January 1966 military coup, which overthrew the federal government and triggered a subsequent counter-coup in July 1966, during which Akintola and Prime Minister Balewa were killed (Falola & Heaton, 2008).
Key Figures
- Obafemi Awolowo (1909–1987): AG leader, champion of Western development.
- Samuel Ladoke Akintola (1910–1966): Premier; rivalry with Awolowo catalysed the crisis.
- Sir Adesoji Aderemi (1889–1980): Governor of the Western Region; constitutional decisions shaped the deadlock.
- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (1912–1966): Federal Prime Minister; interventions were pivotal.
- Dr Moses Majekodunmi (1916–2012): Oversaw temporary administration during emergency measures.
Consequences and Legacy
- Regional Instability: The Western Region transitioned from a model of governance to a centre of political unrest.
- Political Violence: “Operation Wetie” institutionalised electoral violence as a national concern.
- Erosion of Democracy: Factionalism and federal interventions undermined public trust in institutions.
- Prelude to Military Rule: The crisis contributed to conditions enabling the 1966 coups and the collapse of the First Republic.
The crisis highlights the risks of factionalism, weak institutions, and federal overreach, with lessons enduring in contemporary Nigerian politics.
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Author’s note
The 1962 Western Region Crisis was more than a party dispute. It exposed structural weaknesses in Nigeria’s First Republic, revealed how personal and ideological rivalries destabilise governance, and influenced federal–regional relations. Its violent aftermath underscores the need for constitutional adherence, dialogue, and inclusive governance to maintain federation stability.
References
Falola, Toyin & Matthew M. Heaton. A History of Nigeria. Cambridge University Press, 2008.
Dudley, Billy J. Parties and Politics in Northern Nigeria. Northwestern University Press, 1968.
Sklar, Richard L. Nigerian Political Parties: Power in an Emergent African Nation. Princeton University Press, 1963.
