By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Nigeria, Britain and the Rhodesian Crisis
In the 1960s, the British government urged Nigeria’s Prime Minister, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, to help resolve the Rhodesian crisis during tense Commonwealth negotiations in London and Lagos. Britain needed Nigeria’s influence to confront Rhodesia’s unilateral declaration of independence.
At the time, the British Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, reassured Nigerian officials. However, Balewa believed economic sanctions alone would not end the crisis. Meanwhile, The Daily Times described him as “a knight in shining armour stepping in to confront his dithering counterpart.”
As Rhodesia rationed petrol and diesel, African leaders demanded another emergency OAU summit. Although Balewa hesitated, he later agreed that Nigeria would attend the January 19 meeting. Still, he placed his hopes on Mr. Gooneratne, deputy to Arnold Smith, who travelled from London to organise the Commonwealth conference.
Before leaving Britain, Balewa met Sir Alec Douglas-Home and received an audience with Queen Elizabeth II. He rejected claims that Nigeria convened the conference to spite Ghana. “We don’t work like that,” he insisted. On returning to Lagos aboard an RAF Comet, he expressed confidence that the January 10 Commonwealth meeting would address Rhodesia decisively.
Queen Elizabeth II Hosts Nigerian Leaders
Nigeria strengthened diplomatic ties with Britain through several state visits hosted by Queen Elizabeth II.
Yakubu Gowon’s 1973 Visit
On June 12, 1973, the Queen hosted Yakubu Gowon and his wife Victoria at Buckingham Palace. The visit lasted until June 15 and reinforced post-civil war relations.
Shehu Shagari’s 1981 Visit
From March 17 to 20, 1981, the Queen hosted President Shehu Shagari. Political tension surrounded the trip. Leaders of the NPN feared that the UPN would stage protests in London.
Chief Augustus Akinloye and Alhaji Suleiman Takuma voiced those concerns. However, Nigerians in London instead celebrated the visit peacefully. Many wore traditional attire and waved national flags despite the cold weather.
Ibrahim Babangida’s 1989 Visit
On May 9, 1989, the Queen received General Ibrahim Babangida and his wife Mariam at Buckingham Palace. The visit ended on May 12.
African Leaders Hosted at Buckingham Palace
Nigeria and South Africa rank among the few African nations hosted three times at Buckingham Palace. Several other African leaders also received similar honours.
These include:
- Nelson Mandela (1996)
- Thabo Mbeki (2001)
- Jacob Zuma (2010)
- John Kufuor (2007)
- Robert Mugabe (1994)
- Abdou Diouf (1988)
- Hassan II (1987)
- Hastings Banda (1985)
- Kenneth Kaunda (1985)
- Daniel arap Moi (1979)
- Julius Nyerere (1975)
- Mobutu Sese Seko (1973)
- Ibrahim Abboud (1964)
These visits reflected diplomatic engagement between Britain and Africa during the post-colonial era.
Tinubu’s Upcoming Windsor Castle Visit
The narrative continues as President Bola Tinubu and his wife prepare for a royal reception on March 18 at Windsor Castle rather than Buckingham Palace. The development renews interest in Nigeria’s long history of royal engagements.
