“Reckless Political Metaphors Must Not Replace Responsible Democratic Discourse”, EX NUJ President, Lanre Ogundipe Warns Makinde

A former President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr Lanre Ogundipe has counselled Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde that the recent invocation of “Operation Wetie” at Ibadan summit calls for serious caution and reflection.

Ogundipe in an electronic mail sent to our correspondent maintained that ” Operation Wetie ” was not a slogan for political excitement.

According to him, ” Operation Wetie was not a slogan for political excitement; it was one of the darkest episodes in the history of the old Western Region marked by violence, arson, political hostility, and the collapse of democratic trust that contributed to the fall of the First Republic. It remains a painful reminder of how reckless politics can destroy institutions and destabilize society.”

He added: “To casually deploy such a metaphor in today’s political environment, where the actors, circumstances, and ideological realities are entirely different, is both historically inaccurate and politically irresponsible.

“The present opposition gathering is not an extension of the Awolowo–Akintola crisis, nor does it share the same political pedigree that produced the Wetie era.Invoking such a tragic reference adds no real value to democratic debate. Rather, it risks normalising the language of instability and reducing serious political discourse to emotional theatre designed only to excite supporters and generate applause.

“Political leaders must understand that words matter. Historical tragedies should not be converted into campaign rhetoric or applause lines. Democracy is strengthened by ideas, institutions, and responsible engagement—not by reckless metaphors that reopen old wounds.

“The lesson of Operation Wetie should remain simple: never again.Nigeria needs leaders who lower political tension, not those who raise it for temporary advantage. History must serve as a teacher, not a tool for political dramatization.”