Following intense controversy surrounding the publication of his autobiography, My Watch, former President of Nigeria Olusegun Obasanjo today defied a court order barring him from launching the book in Lagos.
Exclusive: Former President Obasanjo Defies Court Order To Launch His Autobiography In Lagos (Photos)
The initial launch, scheduled for Thursday, instead took place today in Lagos at the Lagos Country Club. The event was heavily-attended, featuring prominent figures like former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Ibidapo Obe, former minister of Education and VP of the World Bank, Oby Ezekwesili, former Vice President and current presidential candidate Abubakar Atiku, and several others.
SaharaReporters learned that President Goodluck Jonathan had personally contacted the former president in an attempt to postpone the book's release until after the coming presidential election. Excerpts from the book have generated much attention, as they have seriously criticized President Jonathan and the weaknesses in his administration.
Lawyers to the former president advised him to launch the book despite the court order, SaharaReporters learned, claiming the injunction could not stop the Obasanjo from releasing the autobiography.