The Untold Story: Gowon’s Intervention That Saved Obasanjo
Former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has shared how he intervened to prevent the execution of Olusegun Obasanjo by General Sani Abacha during the 1995 coup trial.
Gowon recounted pleading with Abacha, emphasizing Obasanjo’s value and urging leniency.
Despite Obasanjo’s death sentence being commuted to a lengthy prison term, Gowon’s intervention likely influenced the decision.
Obasanjo later expressed gratitude for Gowon’s efforts, acknowledging he was unaware of them at the time.