BREAKING: Obasanjo Names 1966 Coups, June 12 Annulment Among Nigeria’s Darkest 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 chapters in Nigeria’s history.

Speaking on Wednesday at the 60th memorial service held in honour of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, in Umuahia, Abia State, Obasanjo urged Nigerians to reflect on the country’s past and draw lessons that would strengthen national unity and development.

The former president renewed his call for the restoration of History as a compulsory subject in Nigerian schools, stressing that nations which neglect their past risk repeating the same mistakes.

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

He noted that while the events of January 15, 1966, July 29, 1966 and the June 12 election annulment remain painful milestones in the country’s history, Nigerians should focus on the lessons they offer rather than the divisions they created.

According to him, many of Nigeria’s historical crises were marked by exclusion, conflict and disunity, adding that the country must now embrace inclusion, cooperation, reconciliation and nation-building.

Obasanjo said the painful experiences of the past should inspire Nigerians to work together in fostering peace, mutual understanding and sustainable national progress.

Reflecting on the life of the late Aguiyi-Ironsi, the former president described him as a father figure who treated junior military officers with kindness and professionalism.

He also praised Aguiyi-Ironsi’s distinguished military career, recalling his service during the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Congo and his record as the first Nigerian to attain several senior military ranks, including Captain, Major, Lieutenant-Colonel, Brigadier and Major-General.

Obasanjo urged Nigerians to continue honouring leaders who made significant sacrifices for the nation, while ensuring that future generations learn from their contributions and the country’s historical experiences.