RE: ROAD TO JULY 29, 1966.

We must thank Jide Oluwajuyitan for this new(?) slant on the remote and proximate socio-political developments leading to the (sad) events of July29, 1966. Unlike most young commentators, I was already 18years old when this particular madness evolved to the point of denouement. Without necessarily agreeing with Jide and his new-found sources, we are grateful for this fresh insight. 

For example, I did not realise that Gen Aguiyi Ironsi was ACTUALLY a Saroman and was of such poor intellectual pedigree. Strange then that when Ironsi was violently taken out of the equation, these same characters, who Jide claimed complained about Ironsi, still went ahead to replace him with a Lt Col Yakubu Gowon, known to be far less cerebral than most of his peers and superiors. I am yet to read a proper explanation as to how Admiral Wey, Brigadier Ogundipe, Col Robert Adeyinka Adebayo, all brilliant Yorubas, were all found unworthy to replace the upstart Ironsi. I am still waiting. 

I must confess that I found Jide's take on the controversies in the Western Region and regional House of Assembly quite interesting. Others will disagree with his analysis and that of his sources, but then he is entitled to his view. That's what plurality is all about. 

I look forward to continuing revelations from other analysts especially the diminishing band of political activists old enough to have been real participants. Its a pity that Chief TOS Benson, Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya and a host of others who made Lagos and the West tick, had to die in the fullness of time. How we miss them. They would have set the record straight. That is if Jide's account is faulty. Is it? Readers are advised to research the issue and arrive at their own conclusions without my help.