Founder of the One Love Family, Satguru Maharaj Ji, has cautioned Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over his recent reference to “Operation Wetie,” urging greater restraint in political communication.
In a statement released on Sunday, the spiritual leader warned against comments capable of heightening ethnic suspicion or inflaming political tensions, stressing the need for unity and responsible leadership.
“We love Seyi Makinde, no doubt about that. He should, however, be asked to tread softly,” Maharaj Ji said, adding that the governor should not be drawn into actions that could destabilize the Yoruba nation or turn Oyo State into a political battleground.
He further emphasized that political power is transient and leaders must remain mindful of accountability and the long-term consequences of their utterances.
The caution follows remarks reportedly made by Governor Makinde during a political summit in Ibadan, where he referenced “Operation Wetie” — a violent political crisis that rocked Nigeria’s Western Region during the First Republic. The historical episode, which had Ibadan as its epicentre, is widely associated with arson, reprisals, and intense political rivalry.
Makinde’s comment has since sparked mixed reactions. While some interpret it as a warning against democratic backsliding and one-party dominance, others consider it a sensitive and potentially inflammatory analogy, given its historical connotations.
Maharaj Ji noted that invoking such a charged term risks reopening old wounds and deepening divisions, urging political actors to prioritize peace, moderation, and national cohesion.
Since the remarks surfaced, reactions have continued to pour in from political stakeholders, civil society organisations, and commentators across the country. Many have called for calm and constructive engagement, especially as Nigeria navigates an increasingly complex political climate.
The development highlights the enduring influence of Nigeria’s political history on contemporary discourse and reinforces calls for careful communication among public office holders.
