The Premier of Western region immediately after Independence was ______

Analyze the question: It asks who was Premier of the Western Region immediately after Independence (October 1, 1960).

Concept: Before Independence, Chief Obafemi Awolowo was Premier of the Western Region (1954-1959). In 1959 he moved to federal politics to lead the opposition in the Federal House of Representatives, and he handed over the premiership to his deputy.

Step-by-step timeline:

• 1954-1959: Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Premier
• 1959-1962: Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola became Premier (in office at Independence in 1960)
• 1962: Crisis in the Action Group, a state of emergency was declared, and Dr. M.A. Majekodunmi was appointed Administrator (not Premier)
• 1962-1963: Alhaji D.S. Adegbenro was briefly installed as Premier by the Action Group faction, but was not recognised for long
• 1963-1966: Akintola returned as Premier until the coup of January 1966

Eliminating the options:

• A: Awolowo left the office before Independence, so he is wrong.
• C: Majekodunmi was an Administrator during the emergency in 1962, not a Premier.
• D: Adegbenro's tenure came in 1962, not immediately after Independence.
• B: Akintola was Premier when Independence arrived in 1960, so he is correct.

Answer: B. Chief Ladoke Akintola

Tip: Remember the Western Region order as Awolowo → Akintola → Majekodunmi (Administrator) → Adegbenro → Akintola. Any question about "after Independence" in 1960 points to Akintola.