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Colonel Victor Adebukunola Banjo: A Controversial Figure in the Nigerian Civil War

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Colonel Victor Adebukunola Banjo remains one of the most enigmatic and controversial figures in Nigeria’s Civil War history. A brilliant military officer with a complex legacy, Banjo’s life journey straddled patriotism, ideological struggle, and ultimate tragedy.

Background and Early Career

Victor Banjo was born in Nigeria and trained as an officer in the Nigerian Army. Regarded as intelligent, charismatic, and militarily skilled, he was among the early generation of Nigerian military elites. His career, however, was cut short when he was imprisoned in the mid-1960s, reportedly due to allegations of involvement in a coup plot—though details around this remain murky.

Role in the Nigerian Civil War

The Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), also known as the Biafran War, broke out after the southeastern region of Nigeria declared independence as the Republic of Biafra under the leadership of Lt. Colonel Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

While in prison at the start of the war, Banjo was released by Ojukwu, who saw in him a potential military ally. Despite being Yoruba—an ethnic group predominantly on the Nigerian federal side—Banjo aligned temporarily with Biafra, an Igbo-led secessionist state, reflecting a nuanced and strategic approach rather than mere ethnic allegiance.

Military Exploits and Benin City Victory

Banjo was entrusted with commanding a Biafran battalion that launched a bold westward offensive into Midwestern Nigeria. Under his leadership, Biafran troops captured Benin City with minimal resistance—a notable feat in the early stages of the war. His quick, almost bloodless takeover of the city was seen as a testament to his tactical brilliance.

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However, his campaign came to a halt when orders were given to push toward Lagos and Ibadan, major Yoruba cities. Banjo, citing the original plan and possibly driven by ethnic considerations or a broader political vision, refused to attack these cities.

Controversy and Execution

Banjo’s refusal to advance raised suspicion in Biafran leadership circles. Ojukwu accused him of planning a coup within Biafra and collaborating with enemy forces. Along with three others—Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna (a key figure in Nigeria’s first coup), Philip Alale, and Sam Agbam—Banjo was tried and executed by firing squad in Enugu in September 1967.

The trial and execution were swift, secretive, and remain controversial to this day. Many believe the evidence against Banjo was circumstantial and politically motivated, stemming from distrust of a non-Igbo officer in Biafran command. Others argue that Banjo was playing a dangerous double game, potentially hoping to mediate peace or forge a new political alignment.

Legacy

Colonel Victor Banjo is remembered as:

A brilliant but tragic figure caught in the crosscurrents of Nigeria’s most defining conflict.
A symbol of principled dissent for refusing to attack his ethnic homeland, even while fighting for an opposing force.

A victim of political paranoia, whose execution reflected the deep suspicions and betrayals that characterized the war.

His story adds to the complex fabric of the Nigerian Civil War, highlighting themes of identity, loyalty, ideology, and sacrifice in one of Africa’s most devastating internal conflicts.

In retrospection, Banjo’s life represents the difficult choices military officers and political actors faced during a time of national fracture—where ideals often clashed with survival, and trust was a rare currency on both sides.

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Declare Your Lineage – Royal Family Tells Musician KWAM 1 Over His Interest In Becoming Next Awujale Of Ijebuland

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December 7, 2025

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KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

The Fusengbuwa ruling house of Ijebu-Ode, next in line to produce the new Awujale of Ijebuland, Ogun State, has instructed Fuji musician Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as KWAM 1, to confirm his family’s royal lineage to validate his membership in the ruling house.

KWAM 1, in a letter dated December 3, 2025, addressed to the chairman of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House in Agunsebi Quarters, Ijebu-Ode, announced his interest in the stool, describing himself as a “bonafide son” of the ruling house.

KWAM 1 also stated that his candidacy aligns with Ijebu customary law and the Ogun State Chieftaincy Laws.

In an interview with Punch, the Chairman of the ruling house and former National President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, Abdulateef Owoyemi, said only bonafide members of the family would be allowed to participate in the selection process.

Owoyemi explained that KWAM 1, Olori Omooba of Ijebu land and others interested in the stool have been directed to complete the Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form.

According to him, the form, which requires contenders to trace their genealogy back seven generations, ensures that only genuine princes from the family can participate, thereby blocking “strangers” from claiming the throne.

He said, “The first step for anyone interested in contesting for the Awujale throne is to declare their lineage by filling the standard Fusengbuwa ruling house royal lineage data form. Once confirmed as a legitimate member of the ruling house, they can then apply for the expression of interest form.

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“We have told him, just like everyone else interested in the Awujale throne, that the first step is to declare his lineage. He will do this by completing the royal lineage data form, showing his full name, which parent and grandparent he descends from, and continuing up to seven generations.

“The completed form will be signed and submitted to the head of the ruling house unit of the Fusengbuwa ruling house, who will affirm that he is a genuine member. Only then will the process move forward.”

Owoyemi emphasised that although the application window for the throne officially closed on December 5, KWAM 1 had been given a five-day extension, which would lapse on December 10.

He noted, “We won’t shut anybody out of picking the next Awujale, but we must ensure that you are a legitimate member of Fusengbuwa. Every right comes with responsibilities. For a royal family, everyone must prove their legitimacy by completing the royal lineage data form.

“When we receive the form, we will review it meticulously. If clarification is needed, we will contact the applicant. We welcome men of influence who will use their influence to enhance the throne, not to claim it, ensuring that what truly belongs to our family is preserved.”

Owoyemi explained that the local government has given them 14 days to select candidates, and the ruling house hopes to have a new Awujale by the second or third week of January 2026.

He added, “The local government has given us 14 days to select candidates, which expires on December 18. After that, the kingmakers have seven days to deliberate and choose one candidate, whose name will be forwarded to the governor.

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“Legally, the government then has 21 days to conduct background checks and security clearance, allowing for objections or protests. After this period, the State Executive Council will ratify the nominee, and the governor will announce the next Awujale, after which coronation rites will commence.

“So, combining the candidate selection, kingmakers’ deliberation, and legal objection period, we are looking at around 42 days. Therefore, we expect the next Awujale to emerge between the second and third week of January.”

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VIDEO: I’m Married But Not In My Husband’s House; I Didn’t Have The Experience Of Living Happily Ever After – Singer Shola Allyson Reveals

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December 7, 2025

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While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sola Allyson, the popular Nigerian gospel singer, has revealed that she is not currently living with her husband.

The musician made this known in her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV.

While speaking about her love life, the 54-year-old who came into limelight with a love album ‘Eji Owuro’, revealed that she is married but not living with her husband.

Sharing her marital experience, the singer said she has never enjoyed the kind of happiness many people describe.

“I’m married, but I’m not in my husband’s house. We live separately. He in his house and I in mine.”

The interviewer asked: “You sang ‘Eji Owuro’, did you experience genuine love from your husband?

She replied, “We lied before. Those older than us didn’t inform us that it’s tough. They made us believe that so long as you both love each other, you will live happily ever after, but it’s a lie.

“That’s not the experience I have. I didn’t have the experience of living happily ever after. I did all I could to make it work.

“Marriage has been a big challenge. I hear people talk about joy in marriage, but I have never experienced it.”

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VIDEO: Shola Allyson Finally Opens Up, Reveals Why She Does Not Reference Jesus In Her Songs

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December 7, 2025

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Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Shola Allyson, the renowned Nigerian songstress, has opened up on the real reason she avoids mentioning the name of Jesus in all her songs.

Recall that Allyson, who is regarded as a gospel singer, was dragged on social media in March 2025 for not directly referencing ‘Jesus’ in all her songs.

Reacting to her critics in a post on X, the songstress stated that “No one can bully me into joining their darkness that looks like light because indolent souls find comfort in it”.

Finally revealing her reason for not mentioning Jesus in her songs, Shola Allyson on Saturday during her latest interview on Oyinmomo TV, stated that Jesus did not ask her to do PR for him.

She said “I’m not a religious singer. As I am, I have never introduced myself as a gospel singer. My name is Shola Allyson. I’m a singer”.

Interviewer; “Some people said you don’t mention ‘Jesus’ name’ in all your songs”.

She quickly responded “Jesus did not instruct us to mention his name in songs nor did Jesus ask us to do PR for Him”.

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