Who was truly responsible for the release of Obafemi Awolowo,

Who was truly responsible for the release of Obafemi Awolowo,

Who was truly responsible for the release of Obafemi Awolowo, the leader of the Yoruba people, from prison on August 3, 1966? It has become necessary to break it down as there have been shades of opinions about this topic. Was it Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu or Yakubu Gowon?

Awolowo was charged with treason and plan to unseat the government and for this, he got a 10-year jail term on September 11, 1963. While he was in prison, the first military cøup happened and Aguiyi-Ironsi became Head of State.

AWOLOWO’S PETITION
Chief Obafemi Awolowo wrote a formal petition to Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi on 28 March 1966 while in prison. The letter requested a free pardon for himself and several of his political associates under Section 101(1)(a) of the Constitution of the Federation Act, 1963.
The key points of the letter included:
*A request for a free pardon for himself and his co-defendants.
*Awolowo argued that their prosecution had been politically motivated and that their continued imprisonment was not in Nigeria’s best interest.
*He emphasized his loyalty to Nigeria and his willingness to contribute to national unity during the country’s political crisis following the January 1966 cøup.
*He urged the military government to promote reconciliation and national healing through an act of mercy.
*The petition also listed the names of those for whom he sought pardon.
However, General Ironsi did not immediately grant the request.

THE PLACE OF OJUKWU
Ojukwu was the governor of the Eastern region at this time. However, as governor, his powers were limited to his region. There is no historical reference showing that Awolowo requested a pardon from him.
Also note that Awolowo was tried and jailed under the federal law by a Lagos High Court. Therefore, it would have been difficult for a regional administrator to order his release.

ENTER YAKUBU GOWON
Awolowo remained in prison until after the July 1966 counter-cøup, when General Yakubu Gowon became Head of State. Gowon’s government later released Awolowo for one special reason. Gowon Recognised the growing national crisis and the need for respected leaders to help keep Nigeria together. He, therefore, ordered Awolowo’s release on 2 August 1966.
Gowon also made Awolowo the Vice Chairman of the Federal Executive Council and Federal Commissioner (Minister) of Finance during the Nigerian Civil War.