Oyo IPAC warns against political violence, killings

In Oyo State, a region with a history of political turbulence, the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) has issued a stern warning against political violence as the nation gears up for the 2027 general elections. The council's caution is particularly resonant, invoking the specter of the infamous "Operation Wetie" crisis of 1962, a period of intense arson and violence that once gripped the South-West.

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We must collectively resolve that the ghost of the 1962 ‘Operation Wetie’ which ravaged Southwestern Nigeria will never be invited back into our streets.

IPAC's statement underscores the rising temperature of political discourse and implores politicians and their supporters to prioritize peace. The council's message is clear: the pursuit of power must not descend into conflict or confrontation, nor should it lead to the destabilization of the state. This appeal for restraint is crucial in a political environment where historical grievances and intense competition can easily spill over into unrest.

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The chaos, arson, and loss of lives from that era serve as a grim reminder of what happens when ambition overrides the collective good.

Beyond the general warning, IPAC also condemned the growing trend of disrespect towards elders and traditional institutions, deeming it antithetical to Yoruba "Omoluabi" values. By urging aggrieved aspirants to seek alternative platforms rather than resort to violence and by calling for vigilance from security agencies, IPAC aims to foster a more democratic and peaceful electoral process. The council's call to "compete with ideas, not weapons" encapsulates a vision for a mature political culture where dialogue and policy, not violence, determine outcomes.

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Our traditional rulers are the custodians of our heritage and the stabilisers of our communities; dragging these institutions into the murky waters of political insults is a recipe for social instability.