Picture: Chief Olusegun Obasanjo
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed keen interest in reading the newly released memoir of former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, titled My Life of Duty and Allegiance.
Speaking through a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo described the autobiography as an important contribution to Nigeria’s historical record and said he was eager to obtain a copy.
“I am anxious to get a copy,” Obasanjo said while responding to questions from journalists at his residence.
The former president noted that Gowon’s life and public service covered some of the most significant and turbulent periods in Nigeria’s history, making his account of events invaluable.
According to Obasanjo, “General Gowon has spanned the most turbulent and eventful part of Nigerian history since independence. Giving us his account of events is very important, and he must be appreciated for the courage to do that.”
Obasanjo also clarified why he was absent from the public presentation of the memoir held in Abuja on May 19. He said he had sent a heartfelt apology letter to Gowon, explaining that he was unable to attend because of a prior international commitment.
In the letter dated May 4, 2026, Obasanjo stated that his role as Co-chair of the InterAction Council required him to attend a scheduled meeting in Hong Kong on the same day as the book launch.
The memoir chronicles Gowon’s life, military career, leadership experiences and reflections on key events in Nigeria’s history, including the Nigerian Civil War between 1967 and 1970.
Tags: Obasanjo, Gowon, Memoir, My Life of Duty and Allegiance, Nigeria History, Military Leaders, Civil War, Abuja, Book Launch, Politics.
