Babafemi Ogundipe

Babafemi Olatunde Ogundipe was born on September 6th, 1924 to Yoruba parents of Ago Iwoye, Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria. He was Nigeria's first de factor vice president under the General Aguiyi Ironsi’s 1966 military regime.

Babafemi Ogundipe Age

Babafemi Ogundipe would have been 100 years old, if he were alive today. May his soul rest in peace.

Babafemi Ogundipe Early Life

Ogundipe was educated at schools in Nigeria and at Britain's Imperial Defense College. He entered the British army in 1943.

Babafemi Ogundipe Career

Ogundipe served during the World War II in Burma between 1942 to 1945 after joining the Royal West African Frontier Force in 1941. From 1960 to 1963, he was brigade major with the United Nations forces in the Congo and was chief of staff of United Nation forces there from May to December, 1963.

Critics were against his refusal to succeed General Ironsi who was murdered during the 1966 coup, blaming the resulting massacres as the consequence of his refusal. However, Ogundipe who, though was the most senior military officer and logically the most eligible, was only a Christian south westerner with no troops at a time when the country was at the peak of an ethnic and religious discord.

He was chief of staff of Nigerian forces in 1966 and as defacto vice president was succeeded by Vice-Adm. J.E.A. Wey. Later that year after the coup, he became the Nigerian High Commissioner in London. He held that post until August 1970.

Babafemi Ogundipe Personal Life

Ogundipe died of a heart attack in London, UK on November 20th, 1971. He was 47 years old and was survived by his wife and seven children.

Babafemi Ogundipe Net Worth

His net worth is not available.

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