Former Access Bank Chairman Awosika has suggested Okotie-Eboh’s strong-willed nature made him uncontrollable, possibly thwarting the 1966 coup’s success.
Dr Ajoritsedere Awosika, MFR, former chairman of Access Bank plc, suggested that Festus Okotie-Eboh’s death during the 1966 coup may have been due to his strong-willed nature, which made him difficult to control. She speculated that the coup leaders understood that sparing him would have jeopardised their plans, adding that Okotie-Eboh would have undoubtedly rallied support to prevent the coup and ensure the continuation of democracy.
Speaking in an ARISE NEWS interview on Wednesday, Dr Awosika acknowledged that while Okotie-Eboh was not a prime minister, he had an important role in Nigerian politics.
“He hasn’t been recognised, perhaps because he’s not the prime minister, but he died as a friend of the government,” she noted. “He was probably killed because he was a self-motivated person who was difficult to pull back. They (1996 coup leaders) probably know that if they spare him, the coup will not succeed.”
“He would definitely move the world to stop the coup and move the democracy going,” she added.
Furthermore, she emphasised that the late minister’s contributions to Nigeria’s early years of independence deserve to be honoured.
“I brought it to the attention of two past presidents, but I haven’t seen the light of day on what the request was,” she stated. “If the country wants to be fair, they will honour him, but more importantly is the legacy. He is a man of integrity.”
“His legacies cannot be controverted,” she asserted.
Reflecting on Okotie-Eboh’s life and achievements, Dr Awosika described him as a man whose actions were often misunderstood. “The man Festus Okotie-Eboh was just an enigma blessed by God,” she said. She highlighted that he was wealthy prior to entering government and played a pivotal role in advancing his party, the NCNC. While many focused on his flamboyance, she emphasised that he was simply seeking cultural recognition. A proud Itsekiri man, he remained deeply connected to his heritage, even while abroad, choosing not to eat non-African food.
Dr Awosika then read excerpts from her late father’s letters regarding the creation of the Midwest region, highlighting the importance of unity for progress. “The lesson there is that we need one another to be able to make progress,” she said. “Are we doing that? “Are we coming together? Are parties seeing the need for friendship beyond politics and governance being part of coming together to be able to make progress?”
In her address, she also warned against the “I know it all” syndrome, where those in power fail to learn from the past. Dr Awosika mentioned that when she reads his budget speech, she is “amazed that there are solutions there,” even in other speeches made years ago.
Dr Awosika’s remarks serve as a timely reminder of the importance of recognising and learning from the nation’s past.
On Wednesday, Nigeria’s capital, was one of solemn reflection as the nation paused to pay tribute to the unmatched patriotism and sacrifices of fallen heroes during the 2025 Armed Forces’ Remembrance Day.
“The efforts they put in place in a new independent nation deserve to be further acknowledged,” she concluded. “We have a lot to learn from history, and perhaps there are lessons we can use to shape a better Nigeria.”
Frances Ibiefo
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