Kukah made the disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja while reviewing Gowon’s autobiography, My Life of Duty and Allegiance, published by Havilah Group.

He said Gowon initially had no property in Abuja after returning from exile in the United Kingdom, adding that he only got a plot after intervention from senior military figures, including former military president, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida (rtd.).

Kukah recounted that Gowon’s struggles after his 1975 overthrow included difficulties in settling down upon his return to Nigeria.

According to him, Gowon eventually secured a plot of land after sympathetic intervention, and even had a crescent named after him in Abuja before the allocation.

“He mobilised resources to try to start building. He begins to build. Then El-Rufai, who was minister of the FCT, revoked the land,” Kukah said.

The bishop added that the property issue was later resolved after the intervention of retired General Theophilus Danjuma and other influential figures, who helped Gowon regain the allocation.

Kukah described Gowon’s autobiography as a detailed historical record spanning Nigeria’s military and political journey, covering coups, governance, exile, and personal experiences.

He also noted that portions of Gowon’s archives were lost in fire incidents in Bakori and Kaduna, forcing him to rely largely on memory while writing the book.

According to Kukah, this explains the depth of recollections found throughout the memoir.

The bishop also referenced Gowon’s account of his relationship with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, whom he described as a trusted “informal guardian angel,” adding that Gowon reportedly held him in high regard during his military career.

Kukah further cited passages showing the challenges surrounding Gowon’s eventual return from exile, including concerns within military circles at the time.

He also praised Gowon’s wife, Victoria Gowon, describing her as a strong pillar who supported the family through hardship during their years in the United Kingdom.

Kukah said she sustained the household through small-scale tailoring work while Gowon faced financial and administrative difficulties abroad.

He added that the family also experienced surveillance during their exile, including the presence of a domestic worker allegedly sent to monitor them, though no incriminating findings were reported.