In the early 1960s, Nigeria’s Western Region was engulfed in a political firestorm that would forever alter the country’s history. Operation Wet ẹ (Wetie), which translates to “wet him/her” in English, was a series of violent clashes fueled by political rivalry. This period of chaos culminated in Nigeria’s first military coup on January 15, 1966, serving as a stark reminder of how political conflicts can escalate into widespread violence and fundamentally reshape a nation’s course.
The origins of Operation Wet ẹ can be traced back to a bitter feud between two prominent Nigerian political figures: Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Chief Samuel Akintola. Awolowo, the leader of the Action Group (AG), and Akintola, his deputy and the Premier of the Western Region, were initially allies. However, their relationship soured over disagreements on political alliances, particularly Akintola’s proposal to align with the Northern People’s Congress (NPC), which Awolowo opposed.
By early 1962, the AG had split into factions loyal to either Awolowo or Akintola. Tensions escalated dramatically when Akintola and his supporters walked out of the AG convention in Jos. In May of the same year, a vote of no confidence was brought against Akintola in the Western House of Assembly. The ensuing session turned violent, with Akintola’s supporters smashing windows and assaulting parliament members.
Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa declared a state of emergency in the Western Region, imprisoning Awolowo and his allies on charges of storing ammunition. Despite the turmoil, Akintola managed to regain his position as Premier in January 1963, forming the United People’s Party (UPP), which later became the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP).
The situation reached a boiling point during the 1965 regional elections. The NNDP’s massive electoral rigging ignited widespread anger among the opposition. In retaliation, defeated politicians and their supporters resorted to pouring gasoline on opponents and their properties and setting them on fire. This brutal practice, known as “necklacing,” gave rise to the term Operation Wet ẹ, encapsulating the violence that swept across the region.
The lawlessness and breakdown of order in the Western Region could not be ignored. On January 15, 1966, the Nigerian military, citing rampant corruption and incompetence, staged a coup. The coup leaders later admitted that the violence of Operation Wet ẹ was the final trigger that spurred them into action.
Operation Wet ẹ’s aftermath was profound. The military coup marked the end of Nigeria’s First Republic and initiated a period of military rule that, with some interruptions, lasted until 1999. The events left a legacy of distrust and highlighted the fragility of Nigeria’s early political institutions.
This dark chapter in Nigeria’s history underscores the destructive potential of political rivalry and electoral violence. It serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining peace and integrity within the political process to ensure a stable and democratic society.
