1966 Coup: “The Igbos Now Vindicated and Exonerated” – Olusegun Obasanjo

1966 Coup: “The Igbos Now Vindicated and Exonerated” – Olusegun Obasanjo

In addressing the long-standing misconception that the 1966 coup was solely an “Igbo coup,” it is essential to acknowledge the involvement of Nigerians from various regions and ethnic backgrounds. The following is a list of the key individuals involved in the coup, along with their respective regions:

1. Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu – Midwest Region (Igbo)
2. Major Adewale Ademoyega – Western Region (Yoruba), author of Why We Struck
3. Capt. G. Adeleke – Western Region (Yoruba)
4. Major Ifeajuna – Midwest Region (Igbo)
5. Lt. Fola Oyewole – Western Region (Yoruba), author of The Reluctant Rebel
6. Lt. Robert (Bob) Egbiko – Midwest Region (Ishan)
7. Lt. Tijani Katsina – Northern Region (Hausa/Fulani)
8. Lt. O. Olafemiyan – Western Region (Yoruba)
9. Capt. Gibson Jalo – Northern Region (Bachama)
10. Capt. Swanton – Northern Region (Middle Belt)
11. Lt. Hope Harris Eghagha – Midwest Region (Urhobo)
12. Lt. Dag Warribor – Midwest Region (Ijaw)
13. 2nd Lt. Saleh Dambo – Northern Region (Hausa)
14. 2nd Lt. John Atom Kpera – Northern Region (Tiv)

The misconception that this coup was an “Igbo coup” stems from the misrepresentation of Nigerian history, particularly by those who have strategically omitted the contributions and involvement of other ethnic groups in the coup. The government’s failure to teach an accurate and comprehensive history in schools has perpetuated this false narrative. As a result, the coup has often been painted as an Igbo-led rebellion, which further fuels ethnic tensions.

Key Historical Events and Yoruba-Igbo Relations

1. Azikiwe’s Victory in Western Nigeria
   Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe defeated Chief Obafemi Awolowo to become the first Premier of Western Nigeria (now the Southwest region, including Edo and Delta States). Instead of forming an opposition, Awolowo formed Egbe Omo Yoruba, a cultural group used to influence Yoruba politicians who won on the NCNC platform to cross over to his side, resulting in Nigeria’s first parliamentary coup.
2. Fear of Igbo Domination
   Awolowo’s rhetoric about the “threat of Igbo domination” sowed seeds of distrust within the Yoruba political landscape. This fear spread through decades of media control and continued to fuel Yoruba-Igbo tensions.
3. Political Imprisonment
   Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa imprisoned Awolowo for treason due to Awolowo’s relentless pursuit of political power. Meanwhile, Western Nigeria erupted in violence under the rule of Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola, Awolowo’s political rival, leading to chaos in Yorubaland.
4. Support for Nzeogwu’s Coup
   Despite regional differences, Major Nzeogwu’s coup received widespread support from Nigerians across ethnic lines. Even Wole Soyinka and Olusegun Obasanjo acknowledged the public’s approval. However, the northern military oligarchy, led by Yakubu Gowon and Theophilus Danjuma, eventually overthrew General Aguiyi Ironsi, who had taken control following the coup.
5. The Gowon-Awolowo Deal
   To secure Yoruba support in the fight against the Igbos during the Nigerian Civil War, Gowon released Awolowo from prison and forged an alliance with him. This deal led to Awolowo’s appointment as Vice Chairman of the Federal Executive Council and Minister of Finance, effectively consolidating power between the Northern and Western regions.
6. Economic Suppression of the Igbos
   After the war, Awolowo’s economic policies further disadvantaged the Igbo population. He implemented the infamous £20 policy, which allowed Igbos only £20, no matter how much they had in their bank accounts before the war. This policy, along with the exclusion of Igbo civil servants from government positions, contributed to the economic strangulation of the region.
7. Indigenization Policy
   Awolowo’s indigenization policy, which allowed Yorubas to buy over major companies using bank loans, further entrenched economic power in the hands of the Yoruba elite. Igbos, recovering from the war, were deliberately excluded from this economic recovery.

Conclusion: Why the Igbos See Biafra as the Answer

The years following the war saw the Igbos marginalized economically, politically, and socially. Despite these efforts to suppress the Igbo spirit, they have continued to rebuild and thrive. However, for many Igbos, the scars of these policies and the unhealed wounds of the civil war have made them believe that Biafra represents the ultimate path to self-determination and justice.