Osun Monarchs Warn Against Repeat of “Operation Wetie” Demand Peaceful Governorship Election
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Traditional rulers in Osun State have raised concerns over the rising political tension ahead of the August 15 governorship election, warning that the state must not witness a repeat of the violence that trailed the controversial 1965 Western Region election, popularly referred to as “Operation Wetie.”
The monarchs made the appeal after a meeting held under the leadership of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, where they deliberated on the security situation in the state and preparations for the forthcoming governorship poll.
Details of the meeting were disclosed on Wednesday in a statement posted on Facebook by the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin.
According to the statement, the meeting lasted for about five hours and was presided over by the Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahaab Olukayode Oyedotun Bibire.
The royal fathers expressed concern over the increasing political tension and reported cases of politically motivated killings in the state.
“Our hearts are heavy. We are worried about the rising tension in our state. We are worried about the political killings that have begun to stain the peace we have laboured to build,” the statement read.
The monarchs disclosed that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), led by the Osun Resident Electoral Commissioner, Prof. Amupitan (SAN), later joined the meeting to brief them on the commission’s level of preparedness for the August 15 election.
Before receiving the electoral officials, the traditional rulers said they unanimously resolved that traditional institutions must remain neutral throughout the electioneering process.
“We must live above board. We must see all candidates as our children. Palaces must remain the home of all. We must never be partisan,” they said.
Recalling the political crisis that engulfed the old Western Region in 1965, the monarchs said the lessons from history should not be ignored.
“We remembered the 1965 Western Region election that birthed Operation Wetie. We remembered how that crisis opened the door to military intervention in our body politic. We remembered the 30-month Civil War that followed. Enough is enough. Osun cannot afford, and Nigeria cannot afford, a repeat of those ugly experiences,” the statement added.
The traditional rulers urged INEC to conduct a free, fair, credible and transparent election, stressing that every lawful vote must count.
“Give Osun a free, fair, credible and transparent election. Let the votes of our people count. Let August 15 be a day of celebration, not sorrow,” they appealed.
They also called on security agencies to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without bias.
“Be neutral. Protect lives and property. Do not take sides. Your duty is to keep the peace, not to undermine it,” the monarchs said.
Political parties and their supporters were equally urged to conduct their campaigns peacefully and avoid actions capable of disrupting public order.
“See your opponents as brothers. The crown, public office and political power are temporary, but human life is priceless. Do not shed the blood of our children in pursuit of ambition,” they warned.
The monarchs further appealed to residents of the state to participate peacefully in the election, safeguard their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), and reject violence, thuggery and hate speech.
They reaffirmed that traditional palaces across Osun would remain open to all political actors without discrimination.
“We are fathers to all. We will not endorse chaos, and we will not bless violence. We will continue to stand for peace. Osun is the heart of Yorubaland, and what happens here will resonate across the nation. Let us choose the path of wisdom, dialogue and the enduring values of Omoluwabi,” the statement concluded.
