Obasanjo Calls 1966 Coup, Counter-Coup, June 12 Annulment Nigeria’s ‘Black Days’ 

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has described the January 15, 1966 military coup, the July 29, 1966 counter-coup and the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election as some of the darkest moments in Nigeria’s history, urging citizens to draw lessons from those events to strengthen national unity and development.

Obasanjo made the remarks on Wednesday in Umuahia during the 60th memorial service held in honour of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Gen. Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, who was assassinated on July 29, 1966.

The former President also reiterated his longstanding call for the reintroduction of History as a compulsory subject in Nigerian schools, warning that nations that ignore their past are bound to repeat historic mistakes.

“Nigeria has many black days, and because of these black days, we must remember history to learn the right lessons,” Obasanjo said.

Reflecting on some of the country’s defining tragedies, he said July 29, January 15 and the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election remain significant turning points in Nigeria’s history.

“July 29 is one black day in the history of Nigeria. January 15 is another black day. The annulment of June 12 was also a black day. But the question is: what lessons do we learn from them?” he asked.

Obasanjo argued that many of the nation’s past crises were characterised by exclusion, destruction and deep divisions, stressing that Nigerians should instead embrace inclusion, cooperation and national integration.

“Most of these black days excluded, destroyed and separated us. But we can learn the right lessons and draw inspiration for inclusion, construction, cooperation and bringing our people together,” he said.

The elder statesman also paid tribute to the late Aguiyi-Ironsi, describing him as a father figure who showed compassion and respect to younger military officers during his service.

He praised Aguiyi-Ironsi’s distinguished military career, recalling his participation in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Congo and noting that he achieved several historic milestones as Nigeria’s first indigenous Captain, Major, Lieutenant-Colonel, Brigadier and Major-General.

Obasanjo urged Nigerians to continue preserving the memories of leaders who made significant sacrifices for the country’s peace and progress, saying their legacies should inspire future generations to build a more united nation.