Command and the first Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters from January 1966 to August 1966, during Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi’s military regime. Later, he served as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom from September 1966 to August 1970 under General Yakubu Gowon’s government.
Early Life
Ogundipe was born on 6 September 1924 to Yoruba parents from Ago-Iwoye, present-day Ogun State in western Nigeria.
Military Career
In 1941, Ogundipe joined the Royal West African Frontier Force and served in Burma during World War II (1942–1945). After re-enlisting in the West Africa Forces, he received a short service commission as a second lieutenant in August 1953. By December 1956, he was commissioned into the regular army and rose through the ranks, becoming a captain in 1955. When Nigeria gained independence on 1 October 1960, he was appointed to a commission in the Royal Nigeria Army, which was later renamed the Nigerian Army when Nigeria became a republic in 1963. By May 1964, he had achieved the rank of Brigadier.
Ogundipe played a significant role during the Congo Crisis, serving as part of Nigeria’s peacekeeping contingent with the United Nations (ONUC) from 1960 to 1963. He held key positions, including Commander of ONUC in Kasai and Kbngolo Sector, and ONUC Chief of Staff. After his service in the Congo, Ogundipe returned to Nigeria and commanded the second brigade of the Nigerian Army in Lagos until September 1964, when he left to attend the Imperial Defence College in London.
Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters
Ogundipe returned to Nigeria following the January 1966 coup and was appointed Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters (de facto Vice President) from January to August 1966. After Major General Aguiyi-Ironsi was assassinated during the August 1966 coup, Ogundipe, the most senior military officer, faced pressure to take power but refrained. Lacking troops and support, especially from northern officers who were reluctant to follow a Christian southerner, Ogundipe chose not to pursue political power and instead accepted Yakubu Gowon, his junior, as the new head of the military government.
High Commissioner in London
After the 1966 coup, Ogundipe was sent to the United Kingdom, representing Nigeria at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in September 1966. He later took up the role of Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, a position he held for four years. During this time, he played a crucial role in securing British military support for Nigeria during the Nigerian Civil War. He retired from public service in August 1970.
Death
Babafemi Ogundipe passed away from a heart attack in London on 20 November 1971. He was 47 years old.
