Notable governors during this time period include George Agbazika Innih, Husaini Abdullahi, and Ambrose Folorunsho Alli.

Adesoji Aderemi served as the Governor of the Western Region, while Samuel Ladoke Akintola held the position of Premier.

[2] The Premier was responsible for the executive functions, while the governor's role was largely ceremonial, representing the British monarchy until Nigeria became a republic in 1963.

[2][4] During the emergency, Moses Adekoyejo Majekodunmi was appointed as the temporary administrator, displacing the region's political leadership.

[9] The region was taken by the Biafran Armed Forces during the Nigerian Civil War, with Albert Okonkwo administering the area from August to September 1967 on behalf of Biafra.

[16] This renaming was part of a broader national effort to reorganise Nigeria's states and local governments, under the regime of General Murtala Mohammed.

Ambrose Folorunsho Alli was elected as the first executive civilian governor in October 1979 under the Unity Party of Nigeria and served until September 1983.

Samuel Ogbemudia was elected as a civilian governor under the National Party of Nigeria, and briefly served from October to December 1983.

[19] Jeremiah Timbut Useni took office in January 1984 and led till 27 August 1985, followed by John Mark Inienger from September 1985 to July 1988.

Subsequent military administrations included Mohammed Abul-Salam Onuka, Bassey Asuquo, Baba Adamu Iyam, and Anthony Onyearugbulem, who governed until the return to civilian rule in 1999.