Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has disclosed how he intervened to prevent late General Sani Abacha from executing former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Obasanjo, in turn, expressed gratitude for Gowon’s efforts, which he only recently learned about.
According to the Daily Post, the revelation was made during an interdenominational Christmas Carol event organized by the Plateau State government. Gowon detailed how he wrote a personal letter appealing for clemency for Obasanjo, who had been sentenced to death in 1995 for alleged involvement in an attempted coup. Gowon said his intervention was driven by a sense of duty and a commitment to justice.
Reacting to Gowon’s account, Obasanjo publicly thanked him, acknowledging he had been unaware of the personal plea until it was disclosed. “I want to acknowledge my boss, General Yakubu Gowon. Yesterday, he gave us a revelation, and I have to thank you especially for that,” Obasanjo said.
Reflecting on his time in prison, Obasanjo noted that he had received information about friends and supporters who had prayed and appealed for his release. “When I came out of prison, I went around the world thanking those pointed out to me as having supported my release. But I did not know you wrote a personal letter until you mentioned it yesterday. I thank you for that,” he added.
Obasanjo was sentenced to death in 1995 during Abacha’s regime but was released in 1998 following Abacha’s death. Gowon’s newly revealed role underscores his quiet yet pivotal efforts during one of Nigeria's most turbulent political periods.