I’m eager to read Gowon’s memoir – Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed eagerness to obtain and read, the newly released memoir of former Military Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), ‘My Life of Duty and Allegiance,’ describing the book as an important contribution to Nigeria’s historical record. This is just as the former president has explained why he was absent during the recent presentation of the memoir of the former military head of state in Abuja. The 91-year-old former military head of state, who ruled the country between August 1966 and July 1975, unveiled his autobiography on May 19, detailing his contributions to the socio-economic development of the country. FILE: Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd) Obasanjo, according to a Friday statement made available to journalists by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, however, expressed his desire to lay his hands on the autobiography. The former president was said to have made the remark while responding to questions from journalists during a visit to his residence regarding whether he had read the memoir. Obasanjo, who served as the Army Chief of Staff and second-in-command to the military government of late Gen. Murtala Muhammed, which toppled Gowon’s government in 1975, said, “I am anxious to get a copy.” He described Gowon as a leader whose life and service traversed some of the most critical periods in Nigeria’s history. Obasanjo, who ruled the country as military Head of State from February 1976 to 1979, as well as a two-term elected President from 1999 to 2007, said, “General Gowon has spanned the most turbulent and eventful part of Nigerian history since independence. Related News VIDEO: Makinde pays solidarity visit to Adelabu over sister, twin nephews’ abduction VIDEO: Niniola Pays Tribute To Late Husband, Says He Stopped Her From Leaving Music Aguiyi-Ironsi family honours Fajuyi’s ‘supreme sacrifice’ “Giving us his account of events is very important, and he must be appreciated for the courage to do that.” The former president also explained the reason for his absence at the public presentation of the memoir, despite his longstanding relationship with the former military ruler. “I wrote a heartfelt letter of apology to General Gowon, my Oga, for my inability to attend,” he said. In the apology letter dated May 4, 2026, Obasanjo conveyed his regrets over his inability to be present at the event, citing an international commitment. The former president said, “I will be unable to attend. As the Co-chair of the InterAction Council, I have a longstanding obligation to attend a schedul