Why Aburi Accord Failed — Gowon Points to Ojukwu’s Regional Control Demands

Former Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, says the 1967 Aburi accord collapsed because Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu insisted that regional governors control military zones — a proposal the federal delegation rejected.

In an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, Gowon narrated what transpired after the historic meeting in Aburi, Ghana, which took place from January 4 to 5, 1967. The meeting was convened to address Nigeria’s political crisis and prevent further conflict.

“We just went there (Aburi), as far as we were concerned, to meet as officers and then agree to get back home and resolve the problem at home. That was my understanding. But that was not his (Ojukwu) understanding,” Gowon said.

He added that he fell seriously ill upon returning to Nigeria and could not respond immediately to the resolutions made at the meeting.

“Unfortunately, I know people would not believe it, I was having a serious attack of some kind of fever or whatever it was, and I could not make a decision when we arrived home,” he said. “It was Ojukwu who made some statements about the Aburi accord.”

Gowon claimed that a follow-up meeting was scheduled in Benin City to clarify issues, but Ojukwu declined the invitation over safety concerns.

See Also

Gunmen invade church in Ondo, abduct six worshippers

“I don’t know what accord he (Ojukwu) was reading because he came to the meeting with prepared papers of things he wanted, and of course, we discussed them one by one. Agreed on some and disagreed on some,” Gowon said.

“For example… he wanted those zones to be commanded by the governor… Of course, we did not agree with that one,” he added.