THE All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over comments he made referencing the historic “Operation Wetie” crisis, describing his remarks as inciting and inappropriate.
Makinde had spoken at a national summit of opposition party leaders, where he warned against the dangers of a one-party state.
In his remarks, he referenced “Operation Wetie”, a violent period in the South-West during the 1960s as a cautionary example of what political tensions could escalate into.
Reacting, APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka condemned the statement, calling it “disgraceful” and accusing the governor of irresponsibly invoking violence despite his role as a state’s chief security officer.
He stressed that leaders must communicate with restraint and avoid statements that could be interpreted as encouraging unrest.
“Operation Wetie” refers to the unrest that followed the disputed 1965 Western Region elections, particularly in Ibadan, where political violence saw opponents and their properties attacked and set ablaze.
However, Makinde’s comment has found support from Ladan Salihu of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who defended the governor’s remarks as a necessary warning.
Speaking on the same programme, Salihu said the governor was drawing attention to troubling signs in the country, including insecurity, economic hardship, and governance challenges.
According to him, Makinde’s reference was not a threat but a wake-up call, urging the government of Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reflect on the current state of the nation and take steps to avoid a repeat of past political crises.
While the APC maintains that the comment was reckless, the ADC insists it was a timely caution meant to highlight growing tensions and prevent future instability.
