Is It True That Yakubu Gowon Is Dead? Facts Emerge
- Social media users circulated an unverified claim that former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon (rtd) had died
- However, his personal assistant, Mr. Adeyeye Ajayi, denied the rumours and clarified that he is alive and healthy
- Ajayi urged Nigerians to avoid spreading unverified information, especially about national figures
Legit.ng's Muslim Muhammad Yusuf is a 2025 Wole Soyinka Award-winning journalist with over 8 years of experience in investigative reporting, human rights, politics, governance and accountability in Nigeria.
Adeyeye Ajayi, the personal assistant to the former military head of state, General Yakubu Gowon (rtd), has denied rumours circulating that his principal has passed away.
Adeyeye, in a statement obtained by the Nigerian Tribune on Sunday, called on the general public to disregard the rumour currently circulating on social media.
Source: Getty Images
Ajayi said the former military leader is alive and in good health, adding that he has continued to attend public engagements where he contributes to national discourse and supports Nigeria’s growth and development.
He cautioned against the spread of unverified information, stressing the need for responsible use of social media, especially on sensitive issues involving prominent national figures.
Reports claiming that former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), has died sparked widespread confusion on social media over the weekend.
The unverified claim, which circulated across several online platforms, triggered concern among Nigerians, with many users sharing messages of condolence despite the absence of any official confirmation.
No place for military incursion in Nigeria - Gowon
Legit.ng earlier reported that former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has emphasised that despite democracy’s flaws, the days of military governance in Nigeria must be consigned to history.
He made this statement on Wednesday during the launch of the book “Military Factor in Nigerian History, 1960-2018”, published by the Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN) as part of its 70th anniversary celebration in Abuja.
Source: Getty Images
Gowon noted that while the military had played significant roles in Nigeria’s development and unity, particularly during the civil war, its time in political leadership should remain in the past.
Why I championed the division of Nigeria into 12 states
General Yakubu Gowon has said whatever the north does must serve the greater interest of Nigeria.
Gowon revealed that he supported the creation of multiple states in the 60s, "to prevent any one region from becoming too powerful"
Legit.ng reports that Gowon is a former head of state who led the federal military government war efforts during the Nigerian civil war of 1967 to 1970.
Gowon reflects on Biafra civil war
In a previous story, Legit.ng reported that former Head of State Yakubu Gowon has described the Nigerian civil war as the most difficult period of his life, driven by duty, not hatred.
Speaking at a Christian Men’s Fellowship event, he urged Nigerians to embrace forgiveness, unity, and prayerful leadership.
Gowon was honoured with a Lifetime Integrity and Achievement Award for his service and commitment to national reconciliation.
"Whatever the North does must serve Nigeria’s interest," says Gowon
Amid permutations for the 2027 presidency, elder statesman and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (Rtd.), has urged northern elites to champion causes that serve the collective interest of Nigeria rather than narrow regional concerns.
Gowon spoke days after the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) announced its decision to support northerners running for the presidency and others who might be interested in contesting for elections in 2027.
Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
