Obasanjo says 'anxious' to read Gowon’s memoir, explains absence at book launch

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has expressed eagerness to obtain and read 'My Life of Duty and Allegiance', the memoir of former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, calling it an important contribution to Nigeria's history. He apologized for his absence at the May 19, 2026 launch in Abuja due to an international commitment as co-chair of the InterAction Council, attending a meeting in Hong Kong. Obasanjo sent a letter of apology to Gowon, explaining he could not defer the engagement.