Lieutenant Colonel Francis Adekunle Fajuyi: Nigeria’s First Military Governor of the Western Region

Lieutenant Colonel Francis Adekunle Fajuyi: Nigeria’s First Military Governor of the Western Region

Lieutenant Colonel Francis Adekunle Fajuyi: Nigeria’s First Military Governor of the Western Region

Lieutenant Colonel Francis Adekunle Fajuyi (1926 – 29 July 1966) was a distinguished Nigerian soldier, decorated war hero and statesman whose courage and sense of duty earned him a lasting place in Nigeria’s history. This photograph captures him in his military uniform, holding a drink and seemingly toasting with another individual, a rare glimpse of the man behind the uniform.

Early Life and Background

Francis Adekunle Fajuyi was born in 1926 in Ado Ekiti, present day Ekiti State, Nigeria. He came from a modest Yoruba family and grew up in colonial Nigeria during the final decades of British rule. His early education prepared him for a career in the military, where he quickly distinguished himself through discipline and bravery.

Military Career and Bravery in the Congo

Fajuyi joined the Nigeria Regiment of the Royal West African Frontier Force and steadily rose through the ranks. His courage was famously demonstrated during the Congo Crisis (1960–1965) when he served as part of the United Nations peacekeeping mission.

In 1961 he was awarded the Military Cross, one of Britain’s highest military decorations, for extraordinary bravery in North Katanga. Fajuyi risked his life to rescue his unit from an ambush, a feat that underscored his reputation as a fearless and selfless soldier.

First Military Governor of the Western Region

Following Nigeria’s first military coup of January 1966, Major General Johnson Aguiyi Ironsi appointed Fajuyi as the first military governor of the Western Region. In this role he was responsible for maintaining order during a time of deep political unrest. His leadership was marked by firmness, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the unity of Nigeria.

The 1966 Counter Coup and His Death

On 29 July 1966 during the counter coup led by northern officers, Major General Ironsi was in Ibadan visiting Fajuyi. When the coup plotters arrived to seize Ironsi, Fajuyi refused to abandon the Head of State. His loyalty cost him his life: both men were captured and assassinated. Fajuyi’s self sacrifice became a defining moment of courage and loyalty in Nigerian history.

Legacy

Francis Adekunle Fajuyi is remembered as a symbol of loyalty and patriotism. In honor of his heroism, Fajuyi Park in Ado Ekiti was named after him and his story is celebrated as an example of integrity and sacrifice in public service. His name continues to inspire soldiers, leaders and ordinary Nigerians to uphold the values of honor and national unity.

Ekiti State Government Archives: Biography of Lt. Col. Francis Adekunle Fajuyi.