Gowon reveals Ojukwu mortgaged Biafra minerals to Rothschilds for $10m

Former Head of State Yakubu Gowon reveals in his 859-page autobiography that Biafran leader Lt-Col Odumegwu Ojukwu mortgaged Biafra's mineral wealth to the Rothschild banking family for approximately $10m (N5m at the time). The deal was in exchange for French-backed support during the secessionist effort, Gowon disclosed in his book 'My Life of Duty and Allegiance,' launched Tuesday in Abuja.

According to Gowon, France provided enormous support to the rebel government through former African territories it controlled, hoping to gain from a successful Biafran breakaway from Nigeria. The true depth of the transaction only became known when the Nigerian Consulate in New York intercepted intelligence regarding a B-26 aircraft purchase destined for Biafra through a South American country.

This historical revelation connects to current Biafra-related activities, including MASSOB's May 30 sit-at-home declaration to mark the 59th Biafra anniversary and IPOB's similar commemoration. The disclosure raises questions about external financial interests that may have influenced the Biafran cause during the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970).

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/20/how-ojukwu-mortgaged-biafra-mineral-wealth-gowon/