Chief Tola Adeniyi, a prominent journalist, expressed strong support for Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the former President of Biafra, claiming he stands “one thousand percent” behind him. He argues the Igbos were coerced into war to establish their own nation.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Edmund Obilo, Adeniyi elaborated on the complexities surrounding the war, highlighting General Gowon’s decision to release prominent political figure Obafemi Awolowo from prison. He noted that Gowon sought Awolowo’s wisdom and expertise, suggesting that the move was not indicative of a strategy to suppress the Igbos but rather a recognition of the challenges facing the nation at the time.
Pointing to the political landscape leading up to the conflict, Adeniyi remarked that Awolowo had been a member of the cabinet before the war, which underscores the intricate dynamics of leadership during this tumultuous period.
While acknowledging that the Igbos “shouldn’t have gone to war,” he conveyed a sense of regret, emphasizing that they were provoked and felt they had no choice but to defend their rights and humanity.
Hear him,
“I supported Ojukwu one thousand percent. They were pushed to the wall and they had to fight to create their own country by fire by force.”