“No Bloodshed!” — Historian Reveals How Gowon’s Final Words During 1975 Coup Showed His True Love for Peace

In a recent interview on the Edmund Obilo Show, historian and author Adebayo Adeolu, who wrote “Sani Abacha: Nigeria’s Most Powerful Defence Minister and Head of State,” revealed a powerful and often-overlooked detail about General Yakubu Gowon’s fall from power in 1975.

Adeolu disclosed that when news of the coup reached Gowon, the then Head of State ordered his aides and security personnel not to resist or spill any blood.

“When Gowon was going to be overthrown, he said, ‘make sure nobody’s killed, we have seen enough of it,’” Adeolu quoted.

According to the historian, Gowon’s reaction reflected his deep weariness with Nigeria’s cycles of violence — particularly after the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), which he had led. Instead of clinging to power, Gowon chose peace over conflict, showing a level of restraint rare among military rulers of his time.

“That single moment showed Gowon’s moral strength and his genuine desire for a peaceful Nigeria,” Adeolu said, describing the act as one of the most humane moments in Nigeria’s military history.


Gowon, who was attending the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) Summit in Uganda when he was ousted, quietly accepted his removal and later devoted his life to reconciliation and peacebuilding — cementing his reputation as a statesman of grace and humility.

BREAKING: Former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, Is Dead.

Nigeria is in mourning following the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away at the age of 81.

The news was confirmed by his former aide, Bashir Ahmad, in a post on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).

“President Muhammadu Buhari is dead. May Allah accept him in Aljannatul Firdaus. Amin,” Ahmad wrote.

Buhari served as Nigeria’s civilian president from 2015 to 2023, following an earlier tenure as military Head of State between 1983 and 1985.

A prominent figure in Nigeria’s political and military history, Buhari was known for his strong anti-corruption stance, a key pillar of his administration, along with efforts to stabilise the economy and improve national security.

His presidency was marked by significant challenges, including economic recessions, the Boko Haram insurgency, and calls for restructuring. Nonetheless, he maintained a reputation for personal discipline and integrity, especially among his supporters.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in line with Islamic traditions.

Tributes have begun pouring in from across Nigeria and the international community, honouring the legacy of a leader whose imprint on the nation’s political landscape spanned over four decades.