Echoes of 1966 coup as Late Brig Gen Ademulegun’s daughter hails Tinubu for approving N18bn for families of fallen heroes

Precisely 57 years ago the army struck and took over government and one of the victims of the coupists was Late Brigadier General Samuel Ademulegun and his pretty wife, Latifat.

President Bola Tinubu’s gesture, last week via the approval of N18billion for families of fallen heroes re-awakened the pains associated with the 1966 coup that devastated many Nigerian families.

Brigadier General Ademulegun who died alongside his wife left behind toddlers that could barely write their own names when the assassins bullets struck.

In an appreciative mood, one of his surviving children, Solape Ademulegun Agbi penned down a touchy letter.

Read her below:

“I commend President Bola Tinubu for approving the sum of 18 billion naira as Assurance Policy for the families of our fallen Heroes. It is quite reassuring that they have a place in the hearts of compatriots.

“Many of this category of Nigerians, especially children, have gone through harrowing experiences. It is my belief that this policy will look beyond the nascent North – East ( Boko Haram ) fallen Heroes.

“I urge those responsible for the management of this policy to remember Heroes past who died in active service, decades ago. Children and dependants of Heroes of the 1966 coup and counter coup, should not be forgotten, as they were denied full parental care from very tender ages.

“The Ademuleguns, for instance, lost their parents in the January 15, 1966 coup. The last two children, were just 4 and 6 years old, at the time.

“Brigadier Samuel Ademulegun (N3), was Commander 1 Brigade, Kaduna. He served Nigeria with passion and in 1964, led troops to Tanzania to quell a mutiny. That was after duty with United Nations Peace Keeping Forces in the Congo.

” His wife, Mrs Latifat Ademulegun, a nurse, died with him, both shot by the coupists.This tragedy did not deter their first son from joining the Nigerian Air Force. Late Frank Ademulegun ( NAF 294), retired as a Group Captain.

“Mention must be made of Brig. Zakari Maimalari, Colonels Kuru Mohammed, Ralph Shodeinde, Lt. Cols Yakubu Pam, Arthur Unegbe, Abogo Largema who lost their lives in the first coup and many others including Lt. Col Adekunle Fajuyi who died in the second coup of 1966.

“The horrors of those events, left deep cuts in the hearts of these families. The Ademuleguns were orphaned so early.

“Once again, I salute the Commander- in- Chief for this soothing balm.

Signed

Solape Ademulegun Agbi

*Daughter of Samuel Ademulegun