Research by; Umar-Mark Victor
Chief Samuel Ládòkè Akíntọ́lá, popularly known by his initials S.L.A., was a towering and complex figure in Nigeria's First Republic. A powerful orator, shrewd politician, and formidable leader, his life and brutal death were deeply intertwined with the political turmoil of 1960s Nigeria.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 6, 1910, in Ògbómọ̀ṣọ́ (in present-day Ọyọ State) to a family of traders, Akíntọ́lá's early life did not predestine him for national politics. He attended Baptist Day School and Ọyọ Baptist Central School, after which he worked as a court clerk and a journalist.
His work in journalism was pivotal. He rose to become the editor of the Nigerian Daily Times and later founded his own newspaper, the Ilorin Echo. This career honed his writing skills, powerful use of language, and deep understanding of public opinion tools he would wield masterfully in his political career.
Occupation and Political Ascent
Before entering full-time politics, Akíntọ́lá was a teacher and a devout member of the Baptist Church. His political journey began in the 1950s when he joined the Action Group (AG), dominant political party in Western Nigeria, led by the cha Nigeria, led by the charismatic Chief Ọbáfẹ́mi Awólọ́wọ̀.
Akíntọ́lá’s intellect and loyalty quickly made him a key figure in the party. He served as:
Minister for Lands and Labour in significant executive role began in 1960 when he became the Premier of the Western Region, succeeding Awólọ́wọ́, who moved to the federal level.
Family
S.L.A. Akíntọ́lá was married to Chief (Mrs.) Faderera Akíntọ́lá. Together, they had many children. His family has continued to be active in Nigerian public life, with several of his children and grandchildren entering politics, law, and business, maintaining the Akíntọ́lá name in the socio-political landscape of Ọyọ State and Nigeria.
The Great Schism: Akíntọ́lá vs. Awólọ́wọ́
The most defining period of Akíntọ́lá's political career was his bitter feud with his former mentor, Ọbáfẹ́mi Awólọ́wọ́. This split had profound consequences for Nigerian history.
The conflict stemmed from a major ideological disagreement. Awólọ́wọ́, from his position as Leader of the Opposition in the federal parliament, advocated for a radical, socialist-leaning approach and was highly critical of the federal government dominated by the Northern People's Congress (NPC). Akíntọ́lá, however, favored a more pragmatic and cooperative relationship with the NPC-led federal government. He believed this was the best way to secure development and political stability for the Western Region.
This disagreement escalated into an open power struggle within the Action Group. At the famous 1962 party congress in Jos, factions loyal to both men clashed, leading to a crisis in the Western Regional parliament. The federal government, citing a "breakdown of law and order," declared a state of emergency in the region and suspended Akíntọ́lá's government.
Criticism and Impact
Akíntọ́lá's legacy is a subject of intense debate and criticism.
Criticism: His opponents and many historians view him as a political opportunist who aligned with the conservative NPC to undermine his own party and leader. This move is often seen as a key factor that destabilized the First Republic and paved the way for military intervention. His government was also accused of political thuggery and intolerance towards dissent.
Impact: Despite the controversy, his impact was undeniable. As Premier, he was a formidable advocate for the Western Region. He played a crucial role in establishing the University of Ife (now Ọbáfẹ́mi Awólọ́wọ́ University), a lasting legacy of his commitment to education. His political strategy, though divisive, reshaped the alliances of Nigerian politics, creating an NPC-NCNC (National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons) coalition that sidelined his own Action Group.
A Violent Death and a National Tragedy
The political crisis culminated in catastrophe. On January 15, 1966, a group of young, predominantly Igbo army officers staged Nigeria's first military coup, aiming to wipe out the political class they blamed for the country's corruption and chaos.
That day, soldiers led by Major Kaduna Nzeogwu stormed Akíntọ́lá's residence in Ibadan. In a violent confrontation, Chief S.L.A. Akíntọ́lá was assassinated.His death, along with that of other prominent figures like the Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and the Premier of the Northern Region, Sir Ahmadu Bello, effectively ended the First Republic.
His killing, seen in the Western Region as part of a targeted plot, exacerbated ethnic tensions and was a major catalyst for the counter-coup of July 1966 and the subsequent Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970).
Chief S.L.A. Akíntọ́lá was a man of immense ambition and talent whose political choices remain deeply controversial. He was a builder and an educator, yet his feud with Awólọ́wọ́ and alliance with the North fundamentally altered Nigeria's political trajectory. His violent death immortalized him as a symbol of the bitter rivalries that characterized Nigeria's first attempt at democratic rule, a poignant reminder of the high stakes of power and the fragility of political order.
