Ojukwu Promised Me

Leader and Apostle. Lt. Colonel Ojukwu (left) and 2nd Lt. Richard Ihetu, the boxer “Dick Tiger”.

Ojukwu promised me.

Yes, that Ojukwu. Dim. Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Eze Igbo. The Ikemba of Nnewi. Gburugburu.

I wrote a letter to his Queen’s Drive, Ikoyi residence (Villaska Lodge) enquiring about the possibility of interviewing the man who was the leader of the Biafran secession for my planned book on Richard Ihetu, the boxer “Dick Tiger”, who renounced Nigeria and declared his support for Biafra.

His secretary, Chief S.N.C. Ezeugwa wrote back from Enugu in an airmail letter dated February 23 1999:

Dear Adeyinka Makinde,

I have been directed by his Excellency, Dim. C. Odumegwu-Ojukwu to refer to your letter of 14th December 1998 and to wish you success in your project - (the) Biography of the late Richard Ihetu a.k.a. Dick Tiger.

He would have like(ed) to have assisted you in the areas mentioned, but due to his crowded daily schedule it is not possible. However, he has graciously agreed to give a tribute to the book.

Please confirm that this is acceptable to you.

I wish you God’s continued protection and guidance.

Signed:

Chief S.N.C. Ezeugwa

(Chief Secretary)

For: Dim C. Odumegwu-Ojukwu

(Eze Igbo)

Alas, it never came to pass. I never received another reply to my follow up letter from Chief Ezeugwa.

© Adeyinka Makinde (2019)

Adeyinka Makinde is the author of the biography, Dick Tiger: The Life and Times of a Boxing Immortal.