Ibadan Summit: Makinde’s ‘Operation Wetie’ Comment Irresponsible — Ogundipe

…Ex-NUJ president warns against rhetoric that could undermine democracy

A public affairs analyst, Lanre Ogundipe, has cautioned political leaders against the use of what he described as “reckless and dangerous metaphors” in Nigeria’s democratic discourse, following recent comments by Seyi Makinde at an opposition summit in Ibadan.

This was in a press statement by the former President Nigeria Union of Journalist (NUJ) Ogundipe criticized Makinde’s invocation of “Operation Wetie,” describing it as a reference to one of the darkest periods in the history of Nigeria’s old Western Region.

He noted that the episode, which was marked by violence, arson, and political unrest, contributed significantly to the collapse of the First Republic.

According to him, the use of such a metaphor in the current political climate is both historically inaccurate and politically irresponsible, warning that it risks promoting instability and undermining democratic values.

Ogundipe further argued that the present opposition movement does not share the same historical or ideological background as the crisis involving Obafemi Awolowo and Samuel Ladoke Akintola, which gave rise to the “Operation Wetie” era.

He stressed that invoking such a tragic past adds little to meaningful democratic debate, and instead reduces political engagement to what he described as “emotional theatre” aimed at exciting supporters.

The analyst emphasized that political leaders must exercise caution in their choice of words, noting that historical tragedies should not be repurposed as campaign rhetoric or applause lines.

He added that democracy is better strengthened through responsible engagement, sound ideas, and strong institutions, rather than through rhetoric capable of reopening old wounds.

Ogundipe urged leaders to draw lessons from history, warning that Nigeria needs leadership that reduces political tension rather than heightens it.