Chief Ayo Opadokun, former NADECO secretary and Afenifere publicity secretary, has released The Gun Hegemony, a 427-page book examining the Nigerian military’s enduring influence on the nation’s politics. Published in 2025 by Bonaidea, Nigeria Limited, the book combines deep scholarship, extensive sourcing, and fearless critique of military interventions.
Opadokun argues that Nigeria’s coups inflicted more harm than progress. Officers who overthrew civilian governments, he contends, failed both as rulers and as professional solrs, leaving a legacy of fractured institutions, aborted visions, and stunted national development. He describes the military as having “chased two rats and lost both.”
The book traces the army’s origins to colonial times, highlighting the “Glover’s Hausas” as the foundation of northern dominance in the military. Opadokun also reproduces coup speeches and presents rare documents from the Nigeria Police Force’s E-Branch, offering official accounts of the January 15 and July 1966 coups. He controversially posits that Col. Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu had prior knowledge of the January 1966 coup and critically examines his role in the subsequent Civil War.
The work situates Nigeria’s military interventions within a global historical context, comparing coups across civilizations, and provides detailed biographical accounts of key figures such as Nzeogwu, Aguiyi-Ironsi, Fajuyi, Balewa, and Azikiwe.
Structured in 15 chapters with extensive appendices, the book is noted for its high-quality production, including gloss-laminated covers and durable paper, making it suitable for libraries and academic collections.
While controversial, particularly in its framing of the January 15 coup as largely an Igbo affair, The Gun Hegemony is a seminal resource for scholars, students, journalists, diplomats, and policymakers seeking a comprehensive understanding of Nigeria’s military and its historical trajectory.
I disagree with the authors narrow focus on militarys role. What about other factors shaping Nigerias political evolution?
I find it fascinating how Opadokun delves into the militarys impact on Nigerias politics. Such a thought-provoking read!
Do you think the militarys influence in Nigerias politics is necessary for ility or a hindrance to democracy? Opinions?
I disagree with Opadokuns analysis. The militarys role in Nigerias political evolution is complex and cannot be easily dissected.