Breaking News: Former Governor of Edo State Has Died

Dr Samuel osaigbovo Ogbemudia former military governor of the then Bendel State now Edo State and Delta State has died. According to reports, he passed away a couple of hours ago today. He was 84 years old.

For those of you who don't know him, here is a short introduction on how he got into power in Nigeria:

In January, 1966, a coup d'état overthrew the civilian government of Nigeria. In July 1966 the military ruler Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi was deposed and killed in the so-called Nigerian Counter-Coup of 1966 led by Lieutenant Colonel Murtala Mohammed. Ironsi's chief of staff Yakubu Gowon became head of state.

Major Samuel Ogbemudia played an important role in the counter-coup by disarming his troops in Kaduna at the suggestion of artillery commander Lt-Colonel Alex Madiebo. During the counter-coup/mutiny, an attempt on Major Ogbemudia's life was also made by then Lt-Colonel Buka Suka Dimka but Major Ogbemudia escaped because of a tip from Colonel Hassan Katsina and Major Abba Kyari. In August that year he was transferred to the area command, Benin City, fighting with government forces in the Nigerian Civil War.

Ogbemudia was appointed Military administrator of Mid-West state in September, 1967 following the liberation of state from the secessionist Biafran forces.[3] Promoted to Lt. Colonel, Ogbemudia was appointed Military Governor of the state on 26 October 1967.

May his soul rest in peace.

Credits: Wikipedia