In the years following Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the Western Region stood at the centre of national political life. It was a region known for its strong intellectual tradition, ambitious social policies, and an intense political atmosphere that reflected the broader challenges facing the young nation. By the early 1960s, Western Nigeria had become a focal point for debates about governance, education, regional autonomy, and the direction of Nigerian democracy.
This period brought several prominent political figures into public prominence, including Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, Chief Remi Fani Kayode, widely known as Fani Power, and Chief Richard Akinjide. Their leadership roles and political decisions shaped the region during one of the most consequential chapters in Nigeria’s early history.
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Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola and the Premiership of the Western Region
Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola served as Premier of the Western Region from 1960 until January 1966. Before assuming regional leadership, he had held important federal ministerial positions, including Minister of Health and Minister of Labour. His appointment as Premier followed a period of political change within the Action Group, the party that had dominated Western Region politics during the struggle for self-government.
Akintola’s tenure as Premier unfolded during a time of mounting political tension. Disagreements within the political class, rivalry between factions, and strained relations with opposition groups created a volatile environment. Despite these challenges, Akintola remained firmly in control of the regional government, guiding policy and administration until his death during the military coup of January 1966.
Chief Remi Fani Kayode, Deputy Premier and Political Force
Chief Remi Fani Kayode, popularly known as Fani Power, served as Deputy Premier of the Western Region under Akintola’s administration. A trained lawyer, he was recognised for his commanding presence and unwavering loyalty to the regional government. His position placed him at the heart of decision-making during a period marked by political unrest and public demonstrations.
As Deputy Premier, Fani Kayode played a key role in defending government policies and maintaining political authority in the face of growing opposition. His visibility and influence made him one of the most recognisable figures in Western Region politics during the early 1960s.
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Education as a Cornerstone of Regional Policy
Education had long been a defining priority of the Western Region. The region gained national attention in the 1950s for its introduction of free primary education, a policy that significantly expanded access to schooling. By the early 1960s, attention had shifted toward strengthening secondary education and improving curriculum standards.
One important development during this period was the expansion of French language instruction in secondary and grammar schools across the region. This initiative reflected Nigeria’s location among Francophone West African countries and the practical importance of communication beyond national borders. The inclusion of French in school curricula formed part of a broader vision to prepare students for diplomacy, commerce, and regional cooperation.
Chief Richard Akinjide and Federal Educational Leadership
Chief Richard Akinjide emerged as a national political figure during the First Republic and served as Federal Minister of Education between 1965 and 1966 under Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. His appointment marked the growing role of professionally trained individuals in Nigeria’s post-independence government.
During his tenure, educational planning took place against a backdrop of increasing political instability. Although his time in office was brief, Akinjide’s position connected the Western Region’s educational ambitions to national policy discussions at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history.
Regional Legislators and Local Representation
Beyond the most visible political leaders, the Western Region’s political system relied on legislators who represented local constituencies in the Western House of Assembly. Among them was D. K. Olumofin, who represented Ikare Akoko during the 1950s.
His role highlights the importance of constituency-based representation in shaping regional governance. Legislators such as Olumofin contributed to debates, lawmaking, and local advocacy, forming the foundation upon which regional administration operated during the transition from colonial rule to independence.
Political Unrest and the End of Civilian Rule
By the mid-1960s, political conditions in the Western Region had worsened considerably. Electoral disputes, party fragmentation, and widespread violence following the 1965 regional elections undermined public order and weakened civil authority. The unrest in the Western Region became one of the most visible signs of Nigeria’s broader political crisis.
These events formed part of the circumstances that preceded the military coup of January 1966, which brought an end to the First Republic. The deaths of key political figures during the coup marked a tragic close to an era that had begun with optimism and high expectations.
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Legacy and Continuing Influence
The political history of the Western Region in the early 1960s continues to shape Nigeria’s collective memory. The region’s commitment to education, administrative structure, and political participation left lasting institutional foundations. Many of the families and figures associated with this period remain part of Nigeria’s social and professional landscape today.
Leaders such as Akintola, Fani Kayode, and Akinjide represent both the promise and the challenges of Nigeria’s early democratic experiment. Their era stands as a reminder of how leadership decisions, political rivalry, and public policy can leave enduring marks on a nation’s history.
Author’s Note
The Western Region’s experience in the early 1960s offers a powerful lesson about leadership under pressure. It was a time of bold ideas, intense competition, and far-reaching consequences. Understanding this period helps explain how Nigeria’s early hopes were tested and how the choices of that generation continue to influence the country today.
References
Coleman, James S., Nigeria, Background to Nationalism
Sklar, Richard L., Nigerian Political Parties, Power in an Emergent African Nation
Akintoye, S. A., A History of the Yoruba People
