A legal practitioner and political analyst, Adeyemo Adebisi, has raised concerns over recent public statements attributed to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, warning that the state should avoid political rhetoric that could provoke tension as it approaches the 2027 elections.
Adeyemo, in a statement made available to journalists, said he was particularly concerned about three sets of remarks allegedly made by the governor: comments describing other governorship aspirants as “educated illiterates,” an alleged statement concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Vice President, and the governor’s reference to the historical “wet e” episode associated with political violence in the old Western Region.
Makinde’s reference to “wet e” was made at an opposition political summit in Ibadan in April 2026, where he recalled the political violence that accompanied the crisis in the old Western Region. His remarks subsequently drew criticism from political groups, including the South-West APC, which described the reference as potentially inflammatory.
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Adeyemo argued that, regardless of the context in which such statements are made, political leaders must exercise caution because of the influence their words can have on supporters.
He also drew attention to Section 92 of the Electoral Act 2022, which prohibits abusive, intemperate, slanderous or base language, as well as insinuations likely to provoke violent reactions or emotions during political campaigns. The provision also prescribes sanctions for aspirants, candidates and political parties found to have contravened its provisions.
According to him, the issue should not be reduced to partisan politics, but considered from the perspective of preserving peace and democratic competition in Oyo State.
Adeyemo said the historical significance of the expression “wet e” makes its use particularly sensitive in Oyo, recalling the political crisis that engulfed the old Western Region in the 1960s.
He noted that the violence associated with the 1965 political crisis, commonly referred to as “Operation Wetie,” remains one of the darkest episodes in Nigeria’s political history.
He further recalled the political violence that preceded the collapse of the Second Republic in 1983, arguing that Oyo State should not allow the language of political confrontation to degenerate into violence.
The lawyer expressed concern that inflammatory political rhetoric could contribute to increased tension among supporters of rival political parties, particularly as political activities ahead of 2027 intensify.
He identified security, investment and political stability as areas that could be affected if political disagreements were allowed to escalate.
Adeyemo also cautioned political actors against turning political competition into personal attacks, urging them to focus on their records, policies and programmes.
“Your record should speak for you, not your insults,” he said.
He urged Governor Makinde and other political leaders to criticise opponents on issues of governance and public policy rather than their personal backgrounds, professional records or perceived shortcomings.
Adeyemo further called on security agencies, traditional rulers, the Olubadan-in-Council, religious leaders and other stakeholders to encourage political actors to maintain peaceful conduct as preparations for the 2027 elections gather momentum.
He said Oyo State, with its historic role in Nigeria’s political development, should set an example by promoting issue-based political engagement rather than rhetoric capable of deepening divisions.
“Let us not set Oyo on fire because we want to rule it by proxy or by force,” he said.
