Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has revealed how former President Olusegun Obasanjo initially resisted serving under Colonel Murtala Muhammed during Nigeria’s Civil War period.
Gowon made the disclosure in Chapter 14 of his 859-page autobiography titled My Life of Duty and Allegiance, which was launched on Tuesday in Abuja.
He explained that the disagreement arose after he created a Rear Command for the newly formed 2 Division, headed by Murtala Muhammed, and appointed Obasanjo as Rear Commander in Ibadan.
According to him, Obasanjo objected to the arrangement, arguing that he was senior to Murtala Muhammed and should not be placed under his command.
Gowon quoted Obasanjo as insisting that he would not serve under Colonel Murtala Muhammed under any circumstances.
He added that he stood by the deployment decision, stressing that as Commander-in-Chief, he had the authority to assign officers wherever they were needed.
However, Gowon noted that Obasanjo eventually accepted the posting and performed his duties effectively.
He also reflected on his early relationship with Obasanjo, which began in 1958 when both men were undergoing military training in the United Kingdom.
Gowon recalled that Obasanjo once supported him financially upon his arrival in London, saying the gesture marked the beginning of his close interest in Obasanjo’s military career and development.
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