How Obasanjo rejected serving under Murtala during civil war — Gowon

Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), former Head of State, has revealed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo once refused to serve under Colonel Murtala Muhammed during the Nigerian Civil War because he considered him a junior officer.

The disclosure is contained in Chapter 14 of Gowon’s autobiography, “My Life of Duty and Allegiance”, unveiled in Abuja on Tuesday.

According to Gowon, the disagreement arose after he created a Rear Command for the newly formed 2 Division under Murtala Muhammed, with Obasanjo expected to serve as Rear Commander in Ibadan.

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“He strongly stated that he would never serve under Colonel Murtala Muhammed for any reason,” Gowon wrote.

He said that Obasanjo believed he was more senior and should not report to Murtala.

Gowon said he insisted on the deployment, stressing that as Commander-in-Chief, he had the authority to assign officers where they were most needed.

“I stood my ground,” he recalled. Gowon noted that Obasanjo eventually accepted the posting and performed effectively in the role.

The former military ruler said he had taken a personal interest in Obasanjo’s career since 1958 when both men met in the United Kingdom during military training.

He recounted how Obasanjo assisted him financially when he arrived in London short of funds, describing the gesture as responsible and memorable.

Gowon added that despite the rocky start under Murtala, Obasanjo later proved loyal and patriotic during the war.