Ojukwu Biography
Ojukwu Biography – Chukwuemeka “Emeka” Odumegwu Ojukwu (4 November 1933 – 26 November 2011) was a Nigerian military officer and politician who led the Republic of Biafra as its President from 1967 to 1970 during the Nigerian Civil War. He served as the military governor of Nigeria’s Eastern Region, which he later proclaimed as the independent Republic of Biafra.
Born in Zungeru, Nigeria, during the colonial era, Ojukwu was the son of Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, a prosperous Igbo businessman. He attended King’s College in Lagos and then Epsom College in England, graduating from Oxford University in 1955 with a master’s degree in history before returning to Nigeria to work as an administrative officer. Later, he joined the Nigerian army and rose quickly in rank. Following Nigeria’s independence in 1960, a predominantly Igbo military coup took place in 1966, leading to the appointment of another Igbo, Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, as the head of state, who then appointed Ojukwu as military governor of the largely Igbo Eastern Region. The subsequent counter-coup and anti-Igbo violence in 1966 led to increasing calls for Igbo independence.
In response, Ojukwu declared the Eastern Region as the Republic of Biafra, marking Nigeria’s invasion and the start of the Nigerian Civil War. With the support of the UK and the USSR, Nigeria imposed a blockade on Biafra, leading to widespread famine. Ojukwu drew international attention to the suffering of Biafrans, portraying it as genocide against the Igbo people. Images of starving Biafran civilians became globally recognized, drawing humanitarian aid.
After Biafra’s defeat in 1970 and the death of millions of Biafran civilians, Ojukwu fled to the Ivory Coast, where President Félix Houphouët-Boigny granted him asylum. In 1981, Nigerian President Shehu Shagari granted him amnesty, allowing Ojukwu to return to Nigeria without repercussions. Ojukwu then attempted to re-enter Nigerian politics but was unsuccessful.
Ojukwu passed away in London in 2011 at age 78. His body was returned to Nigeria, where President Goodluck Jonathan organized a state funeral. He was honored with full military rites, and thousands attended his burial. Ojukwu remains a polarizing figure in Nigerian history; many Igbo consider him a hero who fought to protect them from possible genocide, while others blame him for the war and accuse him of marginalizing non-Igbo minorities in Biafra.
Profile
- Full Name – Chukwuemeka “Emeka” Odumegwu Ojukwu
- Date Of Birth – born on November 4, 1933
- Birthplace – Zungeru
- Occupation – Nigeria civil service
- Parents – Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu
- Siblings – Esther, and his younger Stepbrother, Tom Biggard
- Spouse – Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu
- Nationality – Nigeria
Early Life and Education
Born in Zungeru on 4 November 1933, Ojukwu was the son of Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, an Igbo businessman who became Nigeria’s wealthiest man due to his involvement in the transport sector, benefiting greatly from World War II’s economic boom.
Ojukwu began school in Lagos, attended CMS Grammar School at age 10, and later transferred to King’s College in Lagos. After a controversial incident where he assaulted a British teacher, his father sent him to the United Kingdom to continue his studies. He attended Epsom College and later earned a master’s degree in history from Oxford University before returning to Nigeria in 1956.
Ojukwu Early Career
Ojukwu started his career in the Eastern Nigeria civil service as an Administrative Officer. Seeking independence from his father’s influence, he joined the military, initially enlisting as a non-commissioned officer due to his father’s political influence. His persistence in military training led him to eventually receive an officer’s commission in 1958. Ojukwu became one of the few university graduates to receive such a commission and completed further training, serving in various military roles, including a posting with the UN peacekeeping forces in Congo. By 1964, he had risen to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was stationed in Kano.
Civil War
Ojukwu was in Kano when Major Patrick Nzeogwu’s 1966 coup occurred. While Ojukwu initially supported loyalty to the Supreme Commander, the 1966 counter-coup and subsequent anti-Igbo violence led him to advocate for the Eastern Region’s independence. When peace talks in Aburi, Ghana, failed, Ojukwu declared Eastern Nigeria independent as Biafra, leading to the Nigerian Civil War. Despite attempts at peace, the war continued, with international media highlighting the suffering in Biafra. Eventually, Biafra surrendered in 1970, and Ojukwu fled to the Ivory Coast.
Return to Nigeria
Ojukwu was pardoned in 1982 by Nigerian President Shehu Shagari and returned to Nigeria. He attempted to enter politics, but his Senate run in 1983 was marred by alleged election fraud, and his political activities were interrupted by the 1983 coup. Imprisoned briefly by the Buhari regime, he was later released.
Death and Legacy
Ojukwu died on 26 November 2011 in the UK. A week-long funeral was held in Nigeria, with thousands, including President Goodluck Jonathan, paying respects. His legacy remains divisive; he is seen by many Igbos as a defender of their rights but is viewed by others as a cause of unnecessary suffering during the Civil War.
Ojukwu Wife and Children
Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu was married to Ikemba Odumegwu-Ojukwu until his passing in 2011. Together, they had three children.
Ojukwu Siblings
Emeka Ojukwu is pictured with his sister, Esther, and his younger stepbrother, Tom Biggard. Although the date is unknown, it is recorded that Tom Biggard was killed in July 1967 while conducting a night reconnaissance operation near Nsukka, ambushed alongside Kaduna Nzeogwu.
Ojukwu Parents
Chukwuemeka “Emeka” Odumegwu Ojukwu was born on November 4, 1933, in Zungeru, located in northern Nigeria. He was the son of Sir Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu, a prominent Igbo businessman from what is now Nnewi in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria.
