Ojukwu's Refusal to Recognize Gowon Explained by Abdulsalami

In his autobiography presented on his 84th birthday in Abuja, former head of state Abdulsalami Abubakar discussed the refusal of Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the Governor of the Eastern Region during the Nigerian Civil War, to recognize Yakubu Gowon as head of state. This refusal stemmed from the military hierarchy established after the assassination of Major General Aguiyi Ironsi during the January 1966 coup, which resulted in the deaths of prominent northern leaders.

Ojukwu's stance was influenced by the anti-Igbo sentiment that erupted in the North, leading to violence against the Igbo community. Following Ironsi's death, Gowon assumed leadership, but Ojukwu did not pledge loyalty to him, citing the absence of a clear command structure.

Tensions escalated, culminating in Ojukwu's announcement on May 30, 1967, that the Igbo would secede from Nigeria and form the Republic of Biafra, a move he believed was necessary due to perceived marginalization and victimization of the Igbo people.