Debunking The Myth: There Was No Igbo Coup – Rufai Oseni

Headlineswave.ng recalls that he claim of an “Igbo coup” has been a long-standing but misleading narrative in Nigeria’s political history. Prominent journalist and Arise TV anchor, Rufai Oseni, recently reiterated a fact that historians and objective analysts have always maintained—there was no “Igbo coup” in Nigeria’s history. In his words:

“I am not here to be popular. I say things as they are. There was no igbo coup. These were narratives peddled by to cause hate.

I have read many accounts of the war

From the Caged bird sang no more, Phillip Effiong’s account of the war to The Nigerian civil by St. Jorre which is one of the most vivid accounts of the war.

The Igbo coup narrative was intended to peddle hate and which was a sad one”

Source https://x.com/ruffydfire/status/1893163978831896800?s=19

Understanding the 1966 Coup and the Misconception

The January 15, 1966 coup, led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu and a group of young military officers, was Nigeria’s first military intervention in politics. While Nzeogwu was Igbo, the coup was not an ethnic conspiracy. It was planned and executed by officers from different regions, including Northern, Western, and Midwestern Nigeria. Notably, Major Adewale Ademoyega, a Yoruba officer, was a key figure in the coup’s planning and execution.

The coup aimed to rid Nigeria of corrupt politicians who were seen as responsible for the instability and corruption in the First Republic. The political leaders assassinated included Ahmadu Bello (Premier of the Northern Region), Tafawa Balewa (Prime Minister), Samuel Akintola (Premier of the Western Region), and others. However, the failure to eliminate Eastern leaders like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who was outside the country at the time, and Michael Okpara, Premier of the Eastern Region, fueled suspicions that the coup was ethnically motivated.

Why It Was Not an Igbo Coup

1. Multi-Ethnic Leadership: The coup had participation from officers across ethnic lines. It was not orchestrated solely by Igbo officers.
2. Northern and Western Officers Were Involved: Major Adewale Ademoyega (Yoruba), Captain G. Adeleke (Yoruba), and Lt. Fola Oyewole (Yoruba) were among the conspirators.
3. The Igbo Political Leadership Was Not Targeted: Unlike what some claim, prominent Igbo politicians like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe were not executed.
4. Nzeogwu’s Strong Ties to the North: Nzeogwu himself was raised in Kaduna, spoke fluent Hausa, and was regarded as more culturally assimilated into the North than the East.
5. The Coup’s Failure and Consequences: The coup was quickly countered, and General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, an Igbo officer, assumed leadership—not as a coup conspirator but as the highest-ranking military officer at the time.

The Counter-Coup and Civil War Narratives

The July 1966 counter-coup, led by Northern military officers, resulted in mass killings of Igbo soldiers and civilians, ultimately setting the stage for the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970). The labeling of the first coup as an “Igbo coup” was a justification for the widespread retaliatory killings and the eventual secession attempt by Biafra.

Rufai Oseni’s Position and Historical Accuracy

Rufai Oseni, known for his bold journalism, has repeatedly challenged historical falsehoods. His statement rejecting the “Igbo coup” narrative aligns with the perspectives of objective historians. The persistence of this misinformation has contributed to ethnic distrust in Nigeria. By addressing this falsehood, Oseni is advocating for historical accuracy and national reconciliation.

Conclusion

Nigeria’s history must be examined based on facts, not divisive narratives. The January 1966 coup was not an Igbo conspiracy but a misguided attempt at correcting political corruption. For Nigeria to move forward, it is essential to dispel historical distortions and focus on building a united nation.

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