According to a report by Punch News on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, has revealed that during the Nigerian Civil War, Olusegun Obasanjo initially refused to serve under Colonel Murtala Muhammed because he considered him a junior officer. Gowon said Obasanjo firmly rejected the arrangement and insisted he would never work under Murtala in any capacity. However, Gowon explained that he intervened as Commander-in-Chief and directed Obasanjo to accept the assignment in the interest of the country.
The disclosure was made in Chapter 14 of Gowon’s autobiography, My Life of Duty and Allegiance, unveiled in Abuja. Gowon also recounted how his relationship with Obasanjo began in 1958 while both were undergoing military training in the United Kingdom. According to him, when he arrived in London with financial difficulties, Obasanjo willingly assisted him with money, unlike another officer he approached. Gowon said the gesture impressed him and made him take a deeper interest in Obasanjo’s military career, eventually becoming what he described as an informal “guardian angel” to him throughout the war years.
Gowon described Obasanjo as disciplined, intelligent and responsible, though he noted that some younger officers appeared more naturally gifted. He explained that during the early phase of the civil war, he created a Rear Command under Murtala’s newly formed 2 Division and assigned Obasanjo to coordinate logistics, reinforcements and security operations from Ibadan. Obasanjo objected strongly because he felt the arrangement reduced his status by placing him in a subordinate role under Murtala.
Despite the disagreement, Gowon maintained his decision and reminded Obasanjo that military postings were determined by the Commander-in-Chief. He clarified that Obasanjo’s role was mainly to secure the Western Region rather than serve directly as Murtala’s deputy. According to Gowon, Obasanjo eventually accepted the role and performed effectively throughout the assignment.
Gowon praised Obasanjo’s loyalty during the conflict, particularly for resisting an alleged attempt by Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka to facilitate the movement of Colonel Victor Banjo into the Western Region through Benin to Ibadan.
The former Head of State also made claims about Biafran leader Odumegwu Ojukwu, alleging that he secretly pledged Biafra’s mineral resources to the Rothschild family in exchange for support reportedly backed by France during the civil war. Gowon said the arrangement was valued at about $10 million at the time. He explained that Nigerian authorities became aware of the deal after intelligence linked to the purchase of a B-26 aircraft intended for Biafra was intercepted through the Nigerian Consulate in New York.
Gowon further reflected on Murtala’s leadership qualities, describing him as courageous and energetic, although he noted that he sometimes allowed emotions to influence his actions. He added that Murtala had been his preferred choice to lead the 2 Division during the war, despite the fact that Murtala would later lead the 1975 coup that removed him from power……See More
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