Army Officer, Nationalist, and Marty
Captain Perebo A. Dakolo was a brave and fearless Nigerian Army officer, best remembered for his involvement in the ill-fated coup attempt of April 22, 1990, led by Major Gideon Gwaza Orkar. Known for his unflinching patriotism and commitment to justice, Captain Dakolo became a symbol of courage and sacrifice in the struggle for a restructured Nigeria.
Who Was Captain Perebo Dakolo?
Perebo Dakolo (1957–1990) hailed from Ekpetiama and Otuabagi communities in Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A passionate and principled officer, he was one of the military leaders who dared to challenge the autocratic regime of General Ibrahim Babangida. His goal was to address issues of resource control and equity within the Nigerian federation, advocating for the rights of the oppressed, particularly the Ijaw people of the Niger Delta. Unfortunately, his aspirations were cut short when he was court-martialed and executed for his role in the 1990 coup attempt at the age of 33.
Early Life and Background
Perebo Dakolo was born in 1957 to Nathaniel Debe Dakolo, a retired policeman and community leader from Ekpetiama, and Madam Phebe Engigha Dakolo, a woman from Otuabagi in Ogbia Kingdom. His mother’s community was the site of West Africa’s first crude oil exploration in 1958. Dakolo was a survivor of a set of twins and the fourth child in his family.
Education
Dakolo’s early education began at Ekpetiama Group School (now St. John’s Primary School), Gbarantoru. He continued his secondary education at Government Secondary School Oporoma in Southern Ijaw, but the outbreak of the Nigerian Civil War interrupted his studies. After the war, he transferred to Okrika Grammar School in 1970, where he completed his studies and earned his West African Examination Certificate (WAEC) in 1976.
Following his graduation, Dakolo worked briefly at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) in Port Harcourt and the Rivers State Judiciary in Yenagoa. In 1978, he enrolled at the College of Education, Rumolumeni, Port Harcourt, but his ambition to serve in the military led him to leave his studies. With the full support of his family, he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, in 1979 as a cadet in the 25th Regular Course. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1981.
Military Career and Achievements
Captain Dakolo served as an Infantry Officer in the Nigerian Army, where he held various postings, including with the 123 Guards Battalion in Ikeja, Lagos. Known for his competence and leadership, he commanded the Independence Day Parade in 1983, during the presidency of Shehu Shagari.
Dakolo excelled in specialized military training, attending courses in Airborne, Ranger, and Amphibious Warfare, and later serving as an instructor in unarmed combat at the Physical Training School in Zaria. His tenure as an Amphibious Warfare instructor in Calabar earned him widespread recognition within the Nigerian military for his expertise and bravery.
Personal Traits
Captain Dakolo was known for his charismatic and friendly personality. His home at Ikeja Cantonment became a gathering place for fellow officers. Despite his affable nature, he was a formidable opponent in battle, embodying the qualities of loyalty, courage, and integrity.
Advocacy for Justice
Dakolo was not just a soldier but also a vocal advocate for justice and fairness. Deeply aware of the economic exploitation of his homeland, particularly the oil-rich Niger Delta, he was determined to confront the injustices perpetuated by the Nigerian federation. He called for resource control, a restructuring of the Nigerian state, and greater equity for the marginalized ethnic groups of the region.
The 1985 Coup and Near Death
In 1985, while still a Lieutenant, Dakolo played a key role in the coup that brought General Ibrahim Babangida to power. During the coup, he was severely wounded when a bullet narrowly missed his heart. Despite the close call, he remained undeterred in his commitment to reforming Nigeria’s political system.
The 1990 Coup and Execution
Captain Dakolo’s most defining moment came in April 1990, when he joined Major Gideon Orkar in a daring attempt to overthrow the Babangida regime. The coup aimed to address Nigeria’s deep political and economic imbalances and advocate for a more just and equitable federation. When the coup failed, Dakolo chose not to flee, believing it would be cowardly to do so. Instead, he faced the consequences of his actions with dignity, believing in the righteousness of his cause.
During his military court-martial, Dakolo explained his actions, citing nationalistic reasons for his involvement. Despite his defense, he was sentenced to death by firing squad. Captain Perebo Dakolo was executed in August 1990, at the age of 33, in the Lagos area.
Legacy and Honoring the Fallen Heroes
Captain Dakolo’s sacrifice was not in vain. His death, along with those of his fellow conspirators, brought attention to the struggles for justice and fairness in Nigeria. He was a devoted family man, and his youngest child was born posthumously, as his wife was pregnant at the time of his execution.
Timelesspersons blog also takes this opportunity to honor the memory of the brave men who fought alongside Captain Perebo Dakolo for a just Nigeria, including:
- Major Gideon Gwaza Orkar
- Captain N. Harley Empere
- Captain A.A. Nonju
- Lt. A.E. Akogun
- Lt. C.N. Odey
- Lt. Cyril O. Ozualor
- Lt. N.E.O. Deji, and many more.
These soldiers, driven by the same ideals of fairness, resource control, and justice, remain heroes in the hearts of many Nigerians. Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Information Source
HRM King Bubaraye Dakolo, Agada IV, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama (23rd February 2019).
