A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has raised alarm over alleged threats made during a political gathering in Ibadan, warning that references to “Operation Wetie” evoke a dangerous chapter in Nigeria’s history.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Fani-Kayode expressed concern about remarks reportedly made at an “Opposition Summit” held in the Oyo State capital. He described the rhetoric as a “dangerous gambit” and urged those involved to reconsider their words and actions.
According to him, the mention of “Operation Wetie”—a term associated with the violent political crisis in the Western Region in the mid-1960s—recalls a period marked by widespread unrest, including killings, arson, and political instability.
“The last time such events unfolded, there were no winners,” he said, linking the crisis to subsequent military coups, communal violence in parts of the country, and ultimately the Nigerian Civil War, which resulted in significant loss of life.
Fani-Kayode questioned the intent behind invoking such historical references at a political event, particularly in Ibadan, which is widely regarded as a focal point of the 1965 crisis.
He called on political actors to prioritize peace and democratic processes, emphasizing that “nothing beats peace” and that electoral outcomes should reflect the will of the people.
The statement comes amid growing political activity ahead of the 2027 general elections, with stakeholders urging restraint in public discourse to avoid escalating tensions.
There has been no official response from the organizers of the Ibadan meeting at the time of filing this report.
