Lifestyle

Brigadier Benjamin Adesanya Maja Adekunle (1936–2014), “The Black Scorpion”

Published

12 months ago

September 27, 2025

Brigadier Benjamin Adesanya Maja Adekunle, born on 26 June 1936 in Kaduna to a Yoruba father and a Bachama mother, remains one of the most controversial and daring figures in Nigeria’s military history. His fearless approach and unrelenting command during the Nigerian Civil War earned him the infamous nickname—“The Black Scorpion.”

A product of the Nigerian Military Training College (now NDA), and later the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK, Adekunle’s military career began in earnest during the 1960s—a period of deepening political unrest and ethnic suspicion in Nigeria.

In the early stages of the Civil War (1967–1970), he was appointed commander of the newly formed 3 Marine Commando Division (3MCDO) of the Nigerian Army. This division was tasked with retaking the oil-rich Niger Delta and eastern seaports from Biafran control. It was a brutal campaign through swamps, rivers, and mangrove terrain.

Adekunle’s 3MCDO captured Bonny Island, Calabar, and Port Harcourt in swift succession. His success in these offensives gave the Federal side a strategic upper hand by cutting off Biafra’s access to foreign supplies. His public profile soared—newspapers ran photos of him in dark sunglasses and crisp uniform, while his men sang of their “Black Scorpion” who never lost a battle.

But his methods were harsh. Adekunle was known for ruthless tactics, including economic blockades and aggressive raids. He famously said during the war:

“We shoot at everything, even things that don’t move.”

These remarks—and his sometimes brash public statements—drew both local and international criticism. While some hailed him as a war hero, others viewed him as a symbol of excesses committed during the war.

In September 1969, in a surprise shake-up, the Federal Military Government replaced Adekunle with Colonel Olusegun Obasanjo as commander of the 3MCDO. He never received another major military appointment. Many believed his popularity—and outspoken nature—had become a threat to the establishment.

He retired from the army in 1974, still holding the rank of Brigadier. For decades, he faded from public life, emerging only occasionally in the press. In later years, he expressed disappointment at being sidelined and claimed he had been denied his rightful recognition.

Adekunle lived his final years quietly in Lagos, battling health issues. He died on 13 September 2014, aged 78.

Though polarising, Brigadier Benjamin Adekunle’s name remains etched in the pages of Nigeria’s civil war history—both as a brilliant field tactician and as a lightning rod for wartime controversy. To some, he was the brave general who helped save Nigeria. To others, he embodied the painful cost of unity.

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Lifestyle

ARE SOME PARENTS CHOOSING MONEY OVER THEIR OWN CHILDREN?

Published

2 hours ago

September 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Some parents spend years chasing money, building businesses and accumulating wealth—all in the name of “giving their children a better life.”

But here is the uncomfortable question:

What if your child has everything money can buy, but doesn’t have YOU?

A child needs more than school fees, expensive clothes, gadgets and a comfortable home.

They need your time.
They need your attention.
They need your affection.
They need to know that they are loved, heard and valued.

💰 Money can be earned again.

❤️ But once a child’s trust is broken, rebuilding it may not be easy.

🕰️ And once childhood is gone, you can never buy it back.

Don’t become so busy providing for your children that you forget to actually be present in their lives.

Because one day, your child may remember the money you provided—but they may remember even more clearly the moments you were never there.

🔥 QUESTION:

Do you believe some parents are sacrificing too much family time in the pursuit of money?

Tell us what you think in the comments.

#Newsbreak365 #Parenting #Children #Family #Parenthood #LifeLessons #FamilyValues #Money #Childhood #Relationships

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Lifestyle

A WORD OF WARNING: NEVER LET YOUR SUCCESS MAKE YOU LOOK DOWN ON PEOPLE.

Published

3 hours ago

September 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Since you are not feeding anyone, you should never see anyone as being beneath you.

Having money does not make you more human.
Having a degree does not make you more valuable.
Having a big position does not give you the right to disrespect people.

Today, you may be comfortable while someone else is struggling. But life can change unexpectedly. Never use your current advantage to humiliate someone who has less than you.

True greatness is not measured by what you have in your bank account, the car you drive, or the position you occupy.

Your real character is revealed by how you treat people who cannot give you anything in return.

Be humble. Be respectful. Treat people with dignity.

You are not better than anyone simply because you have more than they do.

💬 Do you agree? What do you think makes a person truly great?

#NewsBreak365 #LifeLessons #Respect #Humility #Character #Wisdom #Motivation #Humanity #Inspiration

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Lifestyle

BEING EDUCATED SHOULD NEVER MAKE YOU LOOK DOWN ON AN UNEDUCATED PERSON.

Published

4 hours ago

September 26, 2026

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Education should give you knowledge, but character determines how you use that knowledge.

Not everyone had the opportunity to attend school or earn academic qualifications. Some people learned through life, work, family, hardship and experience.

Having a degree does not make someone more valuable than the person without one.

Your education should make you more humble, not more arrogant.

Respect the cleaner.
Respect the farmer.
Respect the mechanic.
Respect the trader.
Respect the labourer.
Respect everyone.

Because the person you look down on today may have life lessons you will never learn in a classroom.

Education is powerful—but humility is priceless.

💬 Do you agree? Can someone be highly educated but still lack wisdom?

#NewsBreak365 #Education #Wisdom #Humility #Respect #LifeLessons #Character #Knowledge #Nigeria #AfricanValues

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