JUSTIN AHOMADEGBE-TOMETIN

Justin Ahomadégbé-Tomêtin was born on January 16, 1917, in Abomey, a town rich in history and royal heritage, as he was a direct descendant of the kings of Abomey. He pursued his education at the prestigious École William Ponty and later at the French West Africa School of Medicine in Dakar. After a brief stint in the French Army, where he reached the rank of sergeant, Ahomadégbé-Tomêtin shifted his focus to dentistry, establishing a practice in Porto-Novo.

His political journey began in the 1940s as a member of the Dahomeyan Progressive Union (UPD). In 1946, he founded the African People's Bloc (BPA) and soon after, won a seat on the General Council. His popularity grew with his re-election in 1952, and by 1955, the BPA had merged with the UPD to form the Dahomeyan Democratic Union (UDD). Known for his vocal criticism of French colonial rule, Ahomadégbé-Tomêtin’s influence increased, particularly when he allied with trade unions. This alliance helped him secure the mayoral seat of Abomey in 1956.

Ahomadégbé-Tomêtin's prominence in Dahomeyan politics continued during the turbulent elections of 1959, which saw his party, the UDD, lose ground. The intense political rivalry between him and other leaders, such as Sourou-Migan Apithy and Hubert Maga, led to widespread unrest and riots. Mediated by Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Ahomadégbé-Tomêtin reluctantly agreed to a power-sharing arrangement, though his opposition to Apithy remained steadfast. Eventually, Maga emerged as a compromise candidate for prime minister, a decision that shaped the future of Dahomey's politics.

As Dahomey gained independence on August 1, 1960, the political landscape evolved rapidly. Ahomadégbé-Tomêtin, despite his earlier alliance with other parties, began to challenge the leadership, criticizing the government's failure to address unemployment and economic stagnation. His efforts to incite demonstrations and strikes highlighted his commitment to championing the cause of the working class, even as tensions between him and Maga's administration grew.

In 1962, Ahomadégbé-Tomêtin was implicated in a plot to assassinate President Maga, leading to his arrest and a five-year prison sentence. Although the trial was notable for its public nature and the participation of a defense lawyer from Paris, Ahomadégbé-Tomêtin and his co-conspirators faced severe consequences. However, in an unexpected move, Maga pardoned him in 1962 as part of an effort to reconcile with political opponents.

A turning point in Dahomeyan politics came in 1970 with the establishment of a presidential council, a power-sharing agreement among Ahomadégbé-Tomêtin, Maga, and Apithy. This unusual system, in which the presidency rotated every two years, aimed to prevent further political unrest. Ahomadégbé-Tomêtin played a significant role in this council, which held both executive and legislative power. However, this arrangement did little to stabilize the country, as tensions between the military and political leaders continued to simmer.

Ahomadégbé-Tomêtin's tenure on the council was marked by several challenges, including student protests and military unrest. His decision to shut down a radical student group in 1971 sparked demonstrations, and the military remained discontented with the council's authority. In 1972, an attempted coup further destabilized the country, reflecting the ongoing power struggles within Dahomey.

Reference: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Ahomad%C3%A9gb%C3%A9-Tom%C3%AAtin