Action Group Crisis of 1962

Topic Content:

Causes of Action Group (AG) Crisis:

• One of the primary causes of the crisis was the struggle over who would be in control of the policies, programmes and major appointments in the western region. Chief Obafemi Awolowo , the party leader, wanted the premier of the region and the deputy leader of the party, Chief S. L. Akintola to consult him before any major decisions were taken on the changes of policies and appointments. However, S. L. Akintola felt it was not practicable, especially in emergency situations and when reaching agreements on a national basis with other governments.

• Furthermore, there was a personality clash and differences of opinion between the leader of the party and the deputy leader of the party.

• In addition, Chief O. Awolowo did not want his party to join the national government of Tafawa Balewa in 1959 but Akintola and Ayo Rosiji of AG joined the federal cabinet and became friendly with the Prime Minister. The friendship continued after Akintola became the