By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Former Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, in his memoir My Life of Duty and Allegiance, reveals how, after the July 1966 counter-coup in Nigeria, he assumed power in a tense military transition in Lagos, Nigeria, to stabilize the country, address distrust among officers, and manage the fallout of the January 1966 coup crisis, while explaining how internal army hierarchy disputes and ethnic suspicions shaped his decisions and his strained relationship with Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.
Gowon Explains Post-Coup Military Hierarchy Crisis
Gowon noted that he was junior to several senior officers.
These included Babafemi Ogundipe, Joseph Wey, and Adeyinka Adebayo.
However, he said the coup crisis disrupted normal command structure.
As a result, he rose rapidly to major-general and later full general.
He explained that the situation demanded urgent leadership stability.
Therefore, military hierarchy became secondary to national survival.
Ogundipe’s Removal and Diplomatic Posting
Gowon said Ogundipe could not function effectively after the crisis.
He argued that command cohesion had already broken down.
With UK government approval, Ogundipe became Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
This decision, however, angered some Yoruba officers within the army.
Ojukwu’s Resistance to Gowon’s Authority
Gowon described strong resistance from Ojukwu after he assumed leadership.
He said Ojukwu rejected friendship and refused to recognise his authority.
Ojukwu insisted that seniority rules should guide leadership succession.
He believed Ogundipe should have succeeded Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi.
Gowon, however, rejected this interpretation of events.
He argued that the coup had already disrupted normal military order.
Suspicion, Ethnic Tensions, and Army Divisions
Gowon revealed that northern officers strongly suspected Ojukwu’s role in the January 1966 coup.
He said this suspicion shaped early military decisions.
He also noted fears following the killing of senior leaders such as:
- Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
- Ahmadu Bello
- Samuel Ladoke Akintola
- Festus Okotie-Eboh
- Zakariya Maimalari
He said these killings deepened mistrust across the military.
As a result, unity within the army weakened further.
Efforts to Prevent Further Escalation
Gowon claimed he intervened to prevent action against Ojukwu.
He said he saw him as a colleague and officer.
He also retained Ojukwu as Eastern Region governor.
He believed this would help restore stability.
However, he later admitted the decision became controversial.
Subsequent events made reconciliation increasingly difficult.
Road to the Nigerian Civil War
Tensions between both leaders escalated through 1966 and 1967.
Ethnic violence and political distrust increased across regions.
In May 1967, Ojukwu declared the Republic of Biafra.
This triggered the Nigerian Civil War.
The war lasted 30 months.
It ended in January 1970 with Biafra’s surrender to the federal government.
Historical Context of the 1966 Coup Crisis
The January 1966 coup marked Nigeria’s first military takeover.
Young officers led the operation, which failed politically but reshaped power.
Major leaders were assassinated during the coup.
This created deep national shock and instability.
The July 1966 counter-coup followed shortly after.
It further intensified ethnic and political divisions.
Conclusion
Gowon’s memoir revisits one of Nigeria’s most turbulent eras.
It highlights military hierarchy disputes, mistrust, and political breakdown.
He insists his decisions aimed to preserve national unity.
However, history shows the consequences led to civil war.
