The revelation is contained in Chapter 14 of Gowon’s autobiography, My Life of Duty and Allegiance, titled “No Going Back,” which was launched in Abuja on Tuesday.…....
According to Gowon, the disagreement emerged after he created a Rear Command for the newly established 2 Division under the leadership of Murtala Muhammed. As part of the military arrangement, Obasanjo was posted to Ibadan as Rear Commander, a decision that reportedly did not sit well with him.
Gowon explained that Obasanjo objected to the posting because he believed he ranked above Murtala in seniority and therefore should not be placed in a position where he would take directives from him.
Recalling Obasanjo’s reaction at the time, Gowon wrote, “He strongly stated that he would never serve under Colonel Murtala Muhammed for any reason.”
Despite the resistance, Gowon said he stood by the deployment, emphasising that his role as Commander-in-Chief gave him the authority to assign military officers based on operational needs and national interest.
The former Head of State noted that Obasanjo eventually accepted the assignment and went on to perform his duties effectively.
Gowon also reflected on the origins of his relationship with Obasanjo, tracing it back to 1958 when both men were undergoing officer training in the United Kingdom. He recalled arriving in London with little money and receiving financial support from Obasanjo, a gesture he said left a lasting impression.
According to Gowon, the incident strengthened his interest in Obasanjo’s progress, adding that he later became something of an informal “guardian angel” in his career.
