This is a detail of the historical events leading to the creation of the Midwest Region in Nigeria, focusing on the grievances of the Benin and Delta provinces against the Western Region government dominated by the Action Group. Here’s a corrected and enriched version with citations:
Why the Midwest Pulled Out of the Western Region
The creation of the Midwest Region in 1963 was a culmination of tensions between the Benin and Delta provinces (roughly corresponding to present-day Edo and Delta States) and the Western Region government led by the Action Group. The core grievances centered around perceived marginalization and domination by the Yoruba majority in the Western Region.
Testimony at the Willink Commission
The Willink Commission, established in 1957 to investigate fears of minority domination in Nigeria, heard arguments from various parties:
The Midwest State Movement (MSM), led by Chief Humphrey Omo-Osagie, advocated for a separate Midwest region encompassing Benin and Warri provinces, with an extension to include Edo-speaking areas of Ondo province ([Asemota, 2002] in Edo-Nation Egroup).
The Action Group, through lawyer Fani-Kayode, conceded a “residual Midwest” might be allowed, excluding Warri and Ishan divisions, and merging western Ibo and Ijaw with their eastern counterparts ([Willink Commission report, Cmnd. 505, London: HMSO, 1958]).
Reasons for Dissatisfaction
The MSM presented a case against the Western Region based on:
Lack of infrastructure development and social amenities in Benin City compared to Ibadan (capital of the Western Region).
Limited access to scholarships and economic opportunities for Midwesterners.
Alleged discrimination in favor of Yoruba areas in areas like rubber processing facilities.
Fear of cultural assimilation through promotion of Yoruba customs like Ifa divination and Ogboni societies.
Political marginalization through control of local councils and chieftaincy by the Western Region government.
Supporting Arguments
The MSM received backing from Ishan division, where the Action Group’s influence was seen as disruptive to traditional leadership. The Itsekiri of Warri were initially divided, with Chiefs Arthur Prest and Festus Okotie-Eboh supporting the Midwest cause.
Counterarguments and The Willink Commission’s Recommendation
The Action Group, through the “Anti-Midwest State Movement,” countered by portraying the Igbo as a bigger threat to Edo dominance. The Willink Commission acknowledged the grievances but recommended a “Council for Edo Affairs” with limited autonomy instead of a full-fledged region ([Willink Report, Chapter 14, Section 4, Item 36, page 97]).
The Road to a New Region
The MSM rejected the Willink Commission’s suggestion and continued to push for a separate region. Meanwhile, the Western Region used its legislative power to further tighten control over Benin and Delta provinces ([Sklar, Nigerian Political Parties, P238-42]).
Further discussions at the 1958 Lancaster House Conference in London led to a vague agreement on a “minority area” encompassing Benin and Delta provinces, excluding Warri division ([Report by the Resumed Nigeria Constitutional Conference Held in London, September and October 1958, Cmnd. 569, London: HMSO, 1958]).
National Politics and The Creation of the Midwest
The rising political influence of Midwestern leaders like Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, who became a minister in the national government, played a crucial role. Okotie-Eboh’s alliance with the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) proved strategically valuable for the Midwest movement.
Following independence in 1960, negotiations between the NCNC and NPC led to the inclusion of the creation of the Midwest Region as a condition for joining a coalition government ([Enahoro, Fugitive Offender, Op. Cit.]).
Conclusion
The creation of the Midwest Region was a response to historical grievances and a desire for self-determination. The perception of marginalization by the Western Region’s Yoruba majority fueled the movement, ultimately leading to the establishment of a separate administrative unit in 1963.
Source
www.dawodu.com/omoigui22.htm
