Former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida’s newly released book, A Journey in Service, is stirring up debate, with many seeing it as an attempt to rewrite history.
Professor Adewunmi Falode, a historian at Lagos State University (LASU), has criticized the memoir, arguing that it paints IBB as a powerless leader trapped by circumstances rather than the decisive military ruler he was. In an interview with Vanguard, Falode said the book does more harm than good by reopening old wounds, particularly since many key figures from that era are no longer alive to counter Babangida’s claims.
“He enjoys passing the buck,” Falode remarked. “He blames everyone but himself—Sani Abacha, the judiciary—anyone but the man who held ultimate power. How can you call MKO Abiola your dear friend yet prevent him from becoming president? It makes no sense.”
He also questioned IBB’s justification of the execution of Mamman Vatsa, his childhood friend and wedding best man, who was implicated in a coup plot. “He tried to justify the killing by saying, ‘That’s how the military works.’ But the truth is, he had the power to make a different choice.”
The professor acknowledged that while the book provides some historical insight, it remains a self-serving narrative. “We need more of these books from past leaders, even if they’re biased. Historians will separate fact from fiction. But let’s be clear—IBB didn’t bring closure; he only deepened the controversy.”
Many Nigerians, Falode noted, are already dismissing the book as another example of IBB’s “Maradona” tactics—his infamous nickname for being a political dribbler. “The book is all about shifting blame. There’s no accountability. Instead of clarifying history, it’s opening more cans of worms.”
