“I Retired From the Army Because of Abacha”
…Insecurity: Tinubu Inherited Most of Nigeria’s Problems
Chief (Dr) Sunday Adekunle Majekodunmi, the current Aare Ona Kakanfo and Otun Ba’asegun of Egbaland, turns 90 on March 18. In this exclusive interview with Yemi Adebisi and Titilope Joseph, the former Chief Medical Officer to General TY Danjuma opens up on life, medicine, politics, and nationhood. From voodoo in school to a distinguished career in medicine and the military, Majekodunmi shares compelling stories, reflections, and opinions—leaving no subject untouched, including life after death.
Early Life and Education
I was born on March 18, 1934, in Ijebu-Ode, where my father worked with UAC selling motor parts. He met my mother there. I spent part of my childhood in Ijebu-Ode before relocating to Abeokuta, where I attended a missionary school in the Ikereku area. Afterward, I enrolled at Oke-Ona United School (OUS) in Ibereke, Abeokuta, until December 1947.
In my early years, I fell in with a bad crowd and often skipped school. Instead, we would visit a Babalawo (herbalist) near Ogun River before exams. He would give us a handkerchief with voodoo powers, which we believed would help us pass.
I was promoted on trial each year, and one of my older cousins, a teacher at my school, exposed me to the family. That was how I ended up at Ibadan Boys High School in 1948. With no more reliance on voodoo, I began studying seriously. By 1951, during my first year of the leaving certificate exam, I came first. My father, seeing my potential, planned to send me abroad for further studies.
However, his aunt, ‘Iya Ibadan,’ warned him that I must travel with a woman or I wouldn’t focus. That ended the dream. Instead, I attended Lagos Boys High School in 1952 for a year.
I completed my school certificate in 1956 and worked as a clerk at Adeoyo Hospital, Ibadan. My father was proud and told everyone I would become a doctor.
Medical Journey in the UK
I left for the UK on December 2, 1957—during winter. Back then, you could only go abroad officially through the Western Region, thanks to Chief Obafemi Awolowo. On arrival in Liverpool, a Western Region representative received me.
Initially, I was assigned to a health center in southern England through the Ministry of Health. But without supervision, I fell into a lifestyle of parties and dancing halls. Eventually, I moved to London, completed my O’Levels, and gained admission to Coventry Technical College (now Coventry University) where I prepared for my GCE.
By October 1, 1960, I was admitted to the University of Glasgow to study medicine, graduating six years later in 1966.
In 1963, after my second MB exam, I noticed blood in my urine. Doctors suspected schistosomiasis—a disease common among swimmers in Ogun River—but further tests revealed I had a congenital bladder disease: cystitis cystica. I overheard my professor say I had only 10–15 years to live. Devastated, I returned to Glasgow without picking up my prescription. I lived recklessly, holding weekend parties at 42 Buckley Street.
Afterward, I completed my house job in surgery in Glasgow and internal medicine in Leeds. During my final year, I had a British girlfriend, Jennifer, who became pregnant and gave birth to my first son, Mark. Although we never married, she was effectively my first wife. I returned to Nigeria with her and our son on July 28, 1967.
Joining the Army and War Years
On returning, I was posted to the Military Hospital in Yaba, Lagos, during the Civil War. I assisted in treating war casualties and was eventually commissioned as a Captain on April 26, 1968. I was posted to the 44 Military Hospital in Kaduna as a General Duty Medical Officer.
After the war ended in October 1970, I went back to the UK for a postgraduate course in Preventive Health Medicine. My wife, a Professor of Ophthalmology, also secured a scholarship at LUTH, so she joined me.
Upon returning, she resumed at LUTH, and I rejoined the Army. I was eventually appointed Chief Medical Officer to the General Officer Commanding (GOC), General TY Danjuma, in Port Harcourt. We later moved to Jos in 1975 when the division changed from 3 Marine Commando to 3 Armoured Division.
Life in the Army: The Good and The Ugly
Not everyone executed during coups was guilty. Many were simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. I remember a young officer who walked into a room just after coup plotters had left. They assumed he was involved. Such were the dangers.
But overall, the Army was a good place. You just needed to avoid greed. One officer under my command, Major Yaya, once foolishly joked on a flight that he had dreamt of a coup. Babangida got wind of it and panicked. I tried to defend Yaya, insisting he was naïve and had no weapons beyond what was assigned to him. They retired him instead of killing him.
Why I Retired from the Army
In 1973, I was offered a plot of land in Bode Thomas, Surulere, for ₦4,000. I had no money and approached General Bajowa, who advised me to request a loan through welfare funds from General TY Danjuma. However, I was warned not to submit the request if Danjuma wasn’t in a good mood.
Some officers, like Abacha, wouldn’t entertain such requests. When Abacha was appointed Chief of Army Staff, I knew I couldn’t work under him. That was when I decided to retire.
Staying Sharp at 90
I believe in living a clean, contented life and in destiny. I was told I had only 10 to 15 years to live, yet here I am at 90. I celebrate every birthday because it still feels like I’m living on borrowed time.
Final Thoughts on the Nation
President Tinubu inherited many of Nigeria’s current problems. Insecurity and instability didn’t begin with his administration. However, leaders must understand history and be sensitive to the people’s suffering.
