Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has revealed that he had no prior knowledge of the July 1966 counter-coup that led to the assassination of then Head of State, General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi.
In an interview with ARISE NEWS on Wednesday reflecting on Nigeria’s turbulent past, Gowon recounted that although he had suspicions about growing unrest within the military ranks, he did not receive clear intelligence about the impending coup in time to avert the crisis.
“I didn’t know about the July counter-coup ahead of time,” Gowon admitted. “When I began to sense something might be wrong, I tried to warn General Ironsi, but unfortunately, it was too late.”
The July 1966 counter-coup, staged predominantly by northern officers, was a bloody retaliation to the January 1966 coup and ultimately led to the assassination of Ironsi and then Military Governor of the Western Region, Lt. Col. Adekunle Fajuyi, in Ibadan.
Gowon, who was then Chief of Army Staff, recalled the confusion and fear that enveloped the nation and military leadership during those tense days. He lamented that despite his best efforts, the chain of events escalated too quickly, culminating in Ironsi’s tragic demise.
“When I was informed about his death, it was a terrible moment for me. I had served under Ironsi and respected him. It pained me deeply that we couldn’t stop it,” he said.
Following the counter-coup and a brief power vacuum, Gowon was eventually appointed Head of State, tasked with the arduous responsibility of preventing national disintegration and managing the aftermath of ethnic tension and civil unrest.
Reflecting on the challenges of leadership at the time, Gowon said he had to rely on his military training and a sense of national duty, as he was not prepared for such a role.
“I was not trained to rule. I had to rise to the occasion and act in the best interest of Nigeria,” he stated.
Gowon’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with the lessons of its complex political history and the lingering effects of its civil war. His recollections serve as a reminder of the fragility of national unity and the importance of timely leadership in moments of crisis.
Chioma Kalu
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