President Yakubu Gowon Allegiance Nigeria Service/branch Nigerian Navy Political party None (military) Succeeded by Olusegun Obasanjo | Nationality Nigerian Died December 12, 1990 Name Joseph Akinwale | |
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Preceded by Brig. Babafemi Ogundipe | ||
Preceded by Commodore A.R. Kennedy | ||
Vice Admiral Joseph Edet Akinwale Wey (1918 – December 12, 1991) was a Nigerian naval officer who served, at various times, as head of the Nigerian Navy (i.e. Chief of Naval Staff), acting Foreign Minister, and Chief of Staff of the Supreme Headquarters, making him the de facto Vice President of Nigeria during Yakubu Gowon's regime.
Born in Calabar in March 1918 to a Yoruba father and an Ibibio/Efik mother, Admiral Wey had his early education in Calabar, Cross River State and at Methodist School, Ikot Ekpene in present Akwa Ibom State; and further education in Lagos. He joined the Marine Department as a cadet and engineer in training around 1940. At the end of his training in 1945, he served in all sea-going vessels in the Marine Department. When the Navy was established in 1956, he was transferred to the Navy as a sub-lieutenant. In 1962, he was appointed as the commanding officer of base and naval officer in charge of Apapa, Lagos. In 1966, he was appointed as the Federal Commissioner of Establishment and he became a member of the federal Executive Council. He was promoted to various ranks and to the final rank of vice-admiral.
His military ranks were:
He was retired in 1975 following the successful coup that brought Murtala Mohammed to power, replacing the military government of General Yakubu Gowon. He died 12 December 1991.