The recent passing of two prominent Nigerian figures has effectively closed the final chapter on one of the most significant political events in the nation's history. With the deaths of Dr. Victor Omololu Sowemimo Olunloyo and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, historians now draw the curtain on the 1962 emergency rule in Western Nigeria.
The Final Curtain on 1962 Emergency Rule
Remarkably, both men died during another period of emergency rule declared by President Bola Tinubu in Rivers State on March 20, 2025. Their connection to Nigeria's political history spans over six decades, having served as Commissioners during the Western Nigeria emergency administration under Dr. Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi.
The original emergency rule was triggered on May 29, 1962, when then Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa presented a motion in the House of Representatives in Lagos. The motion passed overwhelmingly with 232 votes against 44, granting the Prime Minister extraordinary powers to address the growing political crisis in Western Nigeria.
Majekodunmi's Historic Administration
Prime Minister Balewa exercised his new authority by appointing his personal physician and friend, Senator Chief Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi, as Administrator of Western Region from June 29, 1962 to December 1962. Interestingly, Majekodunmi had initially proposed the Chief Justice of the Federation, Sir Adetokunbo Adegboyega Ademola, for the position, but Balewa objected, concerned it would compromise judicial independence.
Majekodunmi accepted the role on one condition: he would retain his full federal portfolio as Minister of Health, particularly to oversee the opening of the Lagos State Medical College. This arrangement caused widespread administrative inconvenience but demonstrated his commitment to both roles.
On June 4, 1962, Majekodunmi appointed his administration, which included several notable figures who would shape Nigeria's future:
- Captain Murtala Ramat Mohammed as his ADC, who later became Nigeria's Head of State
- Dr. Victor Olunloyo and Oba Sikiru Adetona as Commissioners
- Numerous other ministers representing various portfolios including chieftaincy affairs, finance, and justice
Traditional Rulers in Nigeria's Political Landscape
The appointment of traditional rulers as Commissioners represented significant recognition of their role in Nigeria's governance structure. Among the appointed Obas were:
- Oba of Benin, Akenzua II
- The Osemawe of Ondo, Oba Tewogboye II
- The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Akinyele
- The Olu of Warri, Erejuwa II
- The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba S.O. Abimbola
This inclusion acknowledged the substantial contribution traditional rulers had made to Nigeria's independence struggle. Their involvement dated back to pre-independence conferences, such as the London Constitutional Conference on July 27, 1953, attended by prominent monarchs including:
- The Ooni of Ife, Sir Adesoji Aderemi
- The Olowo of Owo, Sir Olateru Olagbegi
- The Obi of Idumuje Ugboko Kingdom, Obi Justin Nkezie Nwoko
- The Emir of Katsina, Sir Usman Nagogo
The political involvement of traditional rulers sometimes created complex situations. Oba Isaac Babalola Akinyele, the Olubadan of Ibadan, found his Christian faith conflicting with traditional Yoruba religious associations of his title. As a supporter of the Action Group, his reign became entangled in the turbulent politics that ultimately led to the emergency rule declaration.
The emergency was triggered by a deepening rift within the Action Group between leader Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his deputy Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola. The crisis peaked when Governor Sir Adesoji Aderemi appointed Alhaji Chief Dauda Soroye Adegbenro as premier, leading to violent clashes in the House of Assembly and necessitating federal intervention.
With the passing of the last participants in this historic administration, Nigeria closes a significant chapter in its political development, reminding contemporary observers of the enduring role traditional institutions have played in shaping the nation's governance.
