Fresh controversy has erupted over Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s reference to “Operation Wetie,” with major political stakeholders warning that such rhetoric could inflame tensions and destabilize the country’s fragile political climate.
The backlash followed remarks made by Makinde during an opposition leaders’ summit in Ibadan, where he recalled the violent political crisis that engulfed the old Western Region during Nigeria’s First Republic. He warned that similar conditions—economic hardship and fears of a one-party state—could trigger unrest if not addressed.
However, both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) swiftly condemned the statement, describing it as reckless and potentially inciting.
APC National Publicity Secretary Felix Morka accused the governor of invoking a “bloody chapter” in Nigeria’s history, arguing that such language from a sitting governor could fuel lawlessness. He insisted that as the Chief Security Officer of Oyo State, Makinde should be working to calm tensions rather than heighten them.
Morka further dismissed claims that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state, attributing opposition struggles to internal divisions and poor leadership. He maintained that the APC remains focused on governance and preparations for the 2027 general elections under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Similarly, the PDP’s National Working Committee distanced itself from Makinde’s remarks, stressing that references to past political violence have no place in modern democratic discourse. The party called on Nigerians to reject any rhetoric capable of threatening national unity, emphasizing that peace and stability are essential for democratic progress.
Backing this stance, the Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike aligned with calls for restraint, urging political actors to prioritize national cohesion over divisive narratives.
In contrast, the pan-Yoruba socio-political group Afenifere offered a more measured interpretation, describing Makinde’s comments as a cautionary reminder rather than a call to violence. Its spokesman, Jare Ajayi, said historical references should guide politicians to avoid repeating past mistakes, especially as the country approaches another election cycle.
Meanwhile, criticism also emerged from within APC ranks, with Ondo State chieftain Steve Otaloro dismissing the Ibadan opposition summit as a gathering of “recycled elites” lacking credible alternatives to the current administration.
The controversy has also taken a financial turn, as the Save Oyo Movement called on anti-corruption agencies to investigate the funding of the summit. The group alleged misuse of public funds—claims that were strongly denied by PDP officials in Oyo State, who described the accusations as baseless and unsupported by evidence.
Adding another dimension, activist and former presidential aspirant Omoyele Sowore revealed he declined to attend the summit, arguing that many of its conveners were part of Nigeria’s longstanding governance failures.
Despite the widespread criticism, a faction of the PDP defended Makinde, insisting his remarks were misinterpreted. The group argued that his comments were a warning drawn from history, cautioning against political excesses that could provoke public unrest.
As reactions continue to pour in, the incident underscores growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 elections, with analysts warning that inflammatory rhetoric from key actors could further polarize the nation.
