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There used to be a High Commissioner of Nigeria to the United Kingdom. He was Brigadier Babafemi Ogundipe.
Before he became the High Commissioner, he was the de facto vice president of Nigeria between January 16, 1966 and July 29, 1966.
On January 15, 1966, there had been a coup d’etat which was led by Major Kaduna Nzeogwu. The coup succeeded in changing the political movers and shakers in Nigeria’s politics.
Unfortunately, it was at a very great human cost.
Although soldiers in other nations were also affected, the north felt they were the most affected. So, army officers from the north staged a counter coup on July 15, 1966.
The coup too was not without it’s own casualties. Amongst the dead were the supreme commander, General Aguiyi Ironsi. He was murdered along with his host, Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi.
Ogundipe was the next in rank, under normal circumstances, he ought to have formed another government. But the northern officers knew he had no troops. In fact, those who should have come to his defense were not there for him.
A northern Non Commissioned Officer was even said to have ignored his orders.
The northern officers insisted on having a fellow northerner as head of state. So, General Yakubu Gowon who was two ranks Ogundipe’s junior was brought in as head of state.
Meanwhile, Ogundipe was to emerge as the High Commissioner to the UK, a less attractive position.
Yemi Osinbajo is the vice president of Nigeria today.
Is he really regarded in the scheme of things according to his position? What weight does he have politically?
Is he not a general without foot soldiers?
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