Col. Samuel Ogbemudia: a Civil War hero or villain, 1967–2017

This paper focuses on Col. Samuel Ogbemudia’s military career and soldiering exploits during the Nigerian Civil War, and actions in the implementation of the post-civil war reconstruction programme in the Midwest State, especially in Western Igboland, which was a war theatre. It examines the role he played in the liberation of the Midwest State from the Biafran secessionists and how his military exploits accelerated his appointment as the Military Governor of the Midwest. Assessment of Ogbemudia remains a subject of debate among scholars. Some consider him a hero for his military exploits during the Nigerian Civil War, leadership role in the post-war period and after. Others question his role during the war and post-war periods, casting him as a villain. These differing perspectives raise some pertinent questions about his actions as a leader and patriot who contributed immensely to Nigerian unity or rather his political decisions during the war and post-war eras foster interethnic divisions in the Midwestern State. It assesses Ogemudia's role and legacy in Nigerian history to ascertain whether he should be considered a Nigerian Civil War hero or villain. It examines his foray into partisan politics in the Second Republic, his accomplishments and the challenges he encountered as a civilian governor of Bendel State. It evaluates his life as a statesman and highlights his contributions to nation-building. The study used a qualitative research method, and data was collected from primary and secondary sources and critically analyzed.