Posted by Chester Morton / Saturday, 11 February 2017 / No comments
The causes of the Action Group Crisis of 1962
Introduction
In 1945, a group of Nigerian students who were by the time
studying in Britain came together to form a cultural group named Egbe Omo
Oduduwa. In 1951, led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo, late, the name of the group was
changed to Action Group. Other members of the party were Samuel L. Akintola, Chief
Sonibare, Sir Adesoji Aderemi and Chief Bode Thomas.
The claim that it was the
Egbe Omo Oduduwa that was transformed into the Action Group has been challenged
in certain quarters. They argue that the Egbe Omo Oduduwa continued to exist
even after the Action Group emerged so it could not have the Egbe that metamorphosed
into the Action group. The debate rages on.
CAUSES OF THE ACTION
GROUP CRISIS OF 1962
The clash of two personalities
One of the factors that precipitated the Action Group problem
was the clash between the party leader, Chief Awolowo and his deputy, S.L.
Akinsola. At the time, chief Awolowo was accusing his deputy of plotting to snatch
the leadership of the party from him.
The clash of ideologies
Another factor that contributed to the Action Group crisis
was the possible implementation of ideologies that factions within the party
felt would not inure to their benefit. A faction within the party introduced
and supported the principles of democratic socialism which called for the
introduction of mixed economic policies. This was vehemently opposed by another
faction which was more commercial and business inclined.
Decision to join the ruling party or not
There were two opposing camps concerning whether to join the
ruling Northern People’s Congress to form a government of national unity or
not. While one faction that of S.L. Akintola supported the move to join the
N.P.C., the Awolowo faction preferred to join the National Council of Nigeria
and The Cameroun.
Interference in the functions of the premier of the Western
Region
Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who was the leader of the opposition
in Parliament, had allegedly instructed the Prime Minister of the Western
Region, to refer importance matters to him before any action was taken. This
was considered to be an undue interference in the office of the Prime Minister.
Crapping of the post of Deputy Leader
In February of 1962, the position of the deputy leader of the
party was crapped at the annual congress of the party. When the Western
Regional house met to ratify the decision of the congress, the meeting
degenerated into fisticuffs and the Nigerian police had to come in to restore
calm, leading to the closure of Chamber.
Declaration of the state of emergency
Another aspect of the Action Group crisis was the declaration
of a state of emergency in the Western Region. This was a direct reaction to
the disturbances in the region. By the time the state of emergency was lifted
after six months, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was jailed for treason.
SAMPLE QUESTIONS
1. Examine six factors that caused the 1962 crisis in the
Action Group. (12 marks)
