A legal practitioner and political analyst, Adeyemo Adebisi, has called on Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other political actors to exercise restraint in their public statements. He warned that rhetoric capable of heightening tension could undermine peaceful political competition in the state. This appeal comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gather momentum.
Adeyemo expressed concern over three sets of remarks allegedly attributed to Makinde. These include his description of some governorship aspirants as “educated illiterates,” an alleged statement concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the governor’s reference to the historical “wet e” episode associated with political violence in the old Western Region.
The lawyer noted that political leaders should consider the possible impact of their words on their supporters and the wider public, regardless of the context in which such statements were made. He drew attention to the law which prohibits abusive, intemperate, slanderous or base language, as well as insinuations likely to provoke violent reactions or emotions during political campaigns.
Adeyemo urged political actors not to view the issue through the lens of partisan politics, but from the perspective of preserving peace and ensuring healthy democratic competition in Oyo State. He said the historical significance of the expression “wetie” made its use particularly sensitive, recalling the political crisis that engulfed the old Western Region in the 1960s.
The lawyer recalled the political violence that preceded the collapse of the Second Republic in 1983 and urged political actors not to allow political disagreements to degenerate into violence. He expressed concern that inflammatory political rhetoric could heighten tension among supporters of rival parties, particularly as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections intensify.
According to Adeyemo, security, investment and political stability could be affected if political disagreements were allowed to escalate. He urged political actors to focus their campaigns on their records, policies and programmes rather than personal attacks. He called on Makinde and other political leaders to criticise their opponents on issues of governance and public policy instead of their personal backgrounds or perceived shortcomings.
The lawyer also urged 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, given its historical role in Nigeria’s political development, should promote issue-based political engagement rather than rhetoric capable of deepening divisions.
Key points
- The lawyer's appeal comes as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections gather momentum in Oyo State.
- Adeyemo urged political actors to focus their campaigns on their records, policies and programmes rather than personal attacks.
- The historical significance of the expression “wetie” makes its use particularly sensitive, recalling the political crisis that engulfed the old Western Region in the 1960s.
