How Obasanjo refused to serve under Murtala during Civil War — Gowon
General Yakubu Gowon Reflects on Obasanjo’s Initial Resistance to Military Assignment
ABUJA — Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (retd.) shared insights into a significant moment during Nigeria’s Civil War in his recently launched autobiography, My Life of Duty and Allegiance. The book, which spans 859 pages, features a chapter entitled “No Going Back,” where Gowon reveals former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s reluctance to serve under Colonel Murtala Muhammed.
Gowon explained that the conflict arose after he established a Rear Command for the newly created 2 Division, appointing Muhammed as its leader and assigning Obasanjo to serve as Rear Commander in Ibadan. Obasanjo opposed the arrangement, asserting that his seniority warranted him not serving under Muhammed.
“He strongly stated that he would never serve under Colonel Murtala Muhammed for any reason,” Gowon wrote.
Despite Obasanjo’s initial pushback, Gowon maintained that, as Commander-in-Chief, he possessed the authority to assign officers as necessary. Eventually, Obasanjo accepted the assignment and fulfilled his duties effectively, Gowon noted.
In his reflections, Gowon also recounted how his relationship with Obasanjo began in 1958, during their officer training in the United Kingdom. He recalled receiving financial assistance from Obasanjo upon his arrival in London, an act that ignited his interest in Obasanjo’s career.
“That singular act made me take more interest in Obasanjo and what he did,” Gowon stated, adding that he considered himself an informal guardian angel for Obasanjo throughout his career.
