In a candid interview with Arise News, former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, shed light on one of the most tumultuous periods in Nigerian history – the 1966 counter-coup that saw the ousting and eventual assassination of General Aguiyi-Ironsi. Gowon, who went on to assume the leadership of the country in the aftermath, vehemently denied any prior knowledge of the coup, painting a picture of chaos and unforeseen events.
Gowon’s account of learning about the mutiny through early morning phone calls, which informed him of developments unfolding in Abeokuta, sets the stage for a narrative of surprise and rapid response. The ex-Head of State delved into the details of those fateful days, recounting the assassination of General Aguiyi-Ironsi and the sequence of events that led to his ascension to power in a nation grappling with division and instability.
Reflecting on the immediate actions he intended to take upon learning of the situation, Gowon expressed his regret over the outcome. “By the time I got the government house telephone, something had already happened. The instructions I left were that Gen. Aguiyi-Ironsi should be taken to a safe place until we were able to address the situation that had already started, but he was unfortunately assassinated by then,” Gowon recollected, providing a glimpse into the confusion and urgency of the moment.
Gowon’s insights offer a personal perspective on a pivotal moment in Nigerian history, one that had far-reaching consequences for the country’s political landscape. His denial of any foreknowledge of the coup, coupled with his description of the rapid unfolding of events, underscores the complexity and unpredictability of the political climate at the time. As Nigeria continues to navigate its path towards stability and unity, understanding the lessons of its past becomes increasingly important. General Gowon’s recounting of events serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of political power and the enduring impact of historical events on the present.
