Key Elements of the Government Structure:

• The Governor was the ceremonial head of the Western Region and represented the British Crown before independence. After independence in 1960, the role became largely ceremonial, with the governor representing the federal government.


• The Premier was the head of government and the most powerful figure in the Western Region. He was responsible for the administration of the region and was equivalent to a prime minister at the regional level. The Premier was usually the leader of the majority party in the Western Regional House of Assembly. Chief Obafemi Awolowo was the first Premier, representing the Action Group (AG).


• The Western Regional House of Assembly was the legislative body responsible for making laws for the region. Members were elected by the people of the region, and the majority party in the Assembly formed the government. The House of Assembly had powers over regional matters like education, agriculture, health, and local infrastructure.


• The House of Chiefs was an advisory body composed of traditional rulers (Obas) and prominent chiefs from the region. It served as a second chamber, providing input and consultation on regional laws and policies. This house played a role in ensuring that the views and traditions of the Yoruba people were respected in governance.


• The Premier formed an Executive Council, which consisted of ministers responsible for various departments like education, agriculture, health, and finance. The council was responsible for the day-to-day administration of the region and the implementation of policies.


• The Western Region had its own High Court and other lower courts to handle regional legal matters. The judiciary was independent and operated under the broader Nigerian judicial system, with the highest level of appeal being the federal Supreme Court.


• Federal Relations: Although the Western Region had significant autonomy, certain powers like defense, foreign affairs, and currency remained under the control of the federal government of Nigeria. The Western Region was one of the three initial regions (along with the Eastern and Northern Regions) in the country’s federal structure before Nigeria transitioned to a state-based system in 1967.