Gowon details last-minute move to save Ironsi in 1966

Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has revealed how he made last-minute efforts to save the life of his predecessor, Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, during the July 29, 1966 counter-coup.

Gowon disclosed this in his autobiography, My Life of Duty and Allegiance, presented in Abuja on Tuesday.

Recounting the events, he said he received a late-night call from an officer informing him of a mutiny in Abeokuta, which immediately raised concerns about Ironsi’s safety.

Fearing the situation could escalate, Gowon said he attempted to arrange a helicopter to evacuate Ironsi from Ibadan to Lagos, considering road routes unsafe due to the unrest.

He contacted the Ikeja airport to dispatch a helicopter, but later discovered that the officer he spoke to was part of the mutiny and had no intention of carrying out the order.

Gowon said he also tried to reach Ironsi directly at the Government House in Ibadan but was instead connected to Theophilus Danjuma, who informed him that Ironsi had already been placed under arrest by mutineers.

“I urged that he be kept safe and suggested moving him to a secure location,” Gowon said, noting that the situation was volatile, with aggrieved officers determined to act.

He added that before any intervention could be effected, Ironsi and his host, Adekunle Fajuyi, were taken away by the coup plotters and later killed.

Ironsi, who ruled Nigeria from January 1966, was assassinated in Ibadan alongside Fajuyi during the counter-coup.

Gowon urges unity ahead of 2027 elections

At the event, Gowon also called on Nigerians to remain optimistic about the country’s future, urging them to ignore pessimistic views ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said Nigeria would not fail, noting that the country had survived difficult periods in the past.

President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described the memoir as a significant national document that offers lessons on unity, leadership and reconciliation.

He emphasised the importance of preserving historical memory to strengthen national cohesion and avoid repeating past mistakes.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, who chaired the event, said the book provides valuable insight into Nigeria’s history and leadership during turbulent times.

Also speaking, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, described the memoir as a vivid account of Nigeria’s past and a useful reference for understanding the country’s ongoing challenges.

The event drew prominent figures, including former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, religious leaders, government officials and other dignitaries.