Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has shared rare insights into his relationship with his wife, Victoria, during the turbulent years of Nigeria's civil war. In his recently released 859-page autobiography, 'My Life of Duty and Allegiance', Gowon recounted how he proposed to Victoria Zakari, a 22-year-old nurse, while serving as Head of State. According to him, Victoria insisted that he submit his proposal in writing before agreeing to marry him.
Background of the Civil War
Nigeria's 30-month civil war, fought between 1967 and 1970 between the Federal Government and the secessionist Republic of Biafra, remains one of the bloodiest conflicts in the country's history, claiming over a million lives and leaving deep political, ethnic, and humanitarian scars. Gowon led the Federal Military Government throughout the conflict and was a central figure in efforts to preserve national unity.
Gowon's Courtship with Victoria
In Chapter Seventeen of his book, titled 'War's raging; Gowon's marrying', he disclosed that as Nigeria's First Bachelor, many women showed interest in him. He recalled how a friend's wife brought her younger sister to 'greet' him at Dodan Barracks, Lagos, but nothing came of it because he was not attracted to her. Gowon first met Victoria in 1964. By coincidence, his police Aide-de-Camp (ADC), Sani Yaroson, was befriending Victoria's elder sister, Comfort Zakari. Gowon cautiously courted Victoria, first asking his ADC whether she was already in a relationship to avoid any impression of using his position to interfere.
Previous Relationship and Son
Gowon also revealed that his earlier relationship with Edith Ike resulted in the birth of a son, Musa Jack Gowon. In March 2016, he confirmed through a DNA test that Musa Jack was his biological son. He noted that he ignored the 12-year age difference with Victoria, praising her independence, self-worth, and emotional maturity.
Victoria's Demand for a Written Proposal
Gowon recounted that Victoria was emphatic about not starting a relationship if he had any ongoing with someone else. She wanted a clean slate and insisted on a written proposal. Initially, he thought it was a joke, but upon reflection, he took it seriously out of love and respect for her and her parents, especially given the complications from his previous relationship. He wrote to Victoria affirming that he had no existing relationship with any lady, which settled the matter.
The State Wedding Amid War
Gowon exchanged vows with Victoria on April 19, 1969, at the Anglican Cathedral Church of Christ in Marina, Lagos, in a ceremony regarded as Nigeria's only state wedding. He faced intense public criticism for marrying at the height of the civil war, with many questioning the timing. Despite the backlash, he stood by his decision, insisting that the marriage was a personal commitment that did not diminish his dedication to the war effort or his responsibilities as leader.
He stated: 'Several individuals felt that the timing of my wedding was wrong, not minding that I had kept thoughts of getting married on hold for the most part of the Nigerian Civil War because I was focused on the country's challenges.'
