In 1972, Benjamin Adekunle received a promotion to brigadier. Adekunle was tasked with cleaning up the Lagos port after the war since it was consistently experiencing trouble unloading foreign cargo. This was his post until August 20,1974, when he was forced into retirement. He blamed his army competitors for his troubles both during and after the conflict.
He said in multiple interviews that up until the army authorities became concerned and took action, there were constant rumors of a coup connected to him.
He was the most well-liked military leader of the war, aside from Obasanjo, who followed him and ended it with the same 3MC, and he had sizable followings in both the army and the general population. With such style and tenacity, Adekunle oversaw the Third Marine Commando Division, making him a valuable source of information for international reporters seeking a human perspective on the civil conflict. He was laid to rest in the Vaults and Gardens in Ikoyi, Lagos, on September 13, 2014.
