How Obasanjo paid my bills in London, earned my lifelong support — Gowon
Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon has revealed how Olusegun Obasanjo once helped him financially while they were both undergoing military training in London — a gesture he said earned Obasanjo his lifelong support and mentorship in the Nigerian Army.
In his autobiography, My Life of Duty and Allegiance, unveiled on Tuesday in Abuja, Gowon recounted arriving in London short of money and unable to pay his bills before turning to fellow Nigerian officers for help.
According to Gowon, Obasanjo stepped in and paid the bills without hesitation, an act he described as responsible and unforgettable.
“That singular act made me take more interest in Obasanjo and what he did,” Gowon wrote, adding that he later became Obasanjo’s “informal guardian angel” throughout his military career.
Gowon said his support for Obasanjo eventually led to key opportunities during the civil war, including appointing him to command the 3 Marine Commando Division after the removal of Benjamin Adekunle.
The former Head of State also disclosed that Obasanjo initially resisted serving under Colonel Murtala Muhammed during the civil war because he believed he was senior to him.
However, Gowon said he overruled the objection as Commander-in-Chief and insisted that national interest came first.
According to him, Obasanjo eventually accepted the assignment and performed excellently, further strengthening his confidence in his loyalty and patriotism.
