The Unforgotten Yoruba
Brigadier Babafemi Olatunde Ogudipe, from Ago Iwoye, was Nigeria’s First Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters.
He served in Burma and India during the Second World War. The man served in Congo as a UN Peace Keeper.
Following the July 29, 1966 coup that consumed Gen. Johnson Aguiyi Ironsi and Col. Adekunle Fajuyi, Ogundipe had no troops. He organised a detachment of soldiers under Capt. Ephraim Opara. They were ambushed at Ile Zik, Ikeja.
Seeing that the plotters had no one controlling them, Ogundipe tried to instil order. He was snubbed by an ‘Other Rank’.
Left with no option, he left Nigeria when it became obvious that Yoruba officers were ignored so that a Northerner would assume the position of Head of State.
Ogundipe moved to the UK, keeping him away from the military where his junior Lt. Col. Yakubu Gowon had become Commander-in-Chief.
Gowon promptly named Ogundipe High Commissioner to the UK.
He died in London in November 1971.
Today many don’t remember him for bravery in India, Burma and Congo. He is erroneously degraded.
The report is written by Awe Olufunso
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