The family of the late Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, Nigeria’s first Military Head of State, has announced plans to commemorate the 60th anniversary of his death with a memorial ceremony in Umuahia, Abia State, on Wednesday.
The Punch reported that a memorial mass in honour of his wife, Lady Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, has also been scheduled for Sunday, August 2, 2026.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his son, Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, the family said the anniversary event would take place at the Aguiyi-Ironsi Tomb Site in Umuahia and would include a wreath-laying ceremony.
“The anniversary provides an opportunity for the nation to honour the memory, leadership, and sacrifices of a distinguished Nigerian patriot whose contributions to national unity and development remain enduring.
“The Memorial Mass of Her Excellency Noble Lady V.N. Aguiyi-Ironsi will hold on Sunday, 2nd August, 2026 at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Afara-Ukwu, Umuahia, Abia State. Time: 10:00 am”, the statement partly read.
Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, a former Minister of State for Defence and former Minister of Defence, disclosed that President Bola Tinubu, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and other prominent Nigerians are expected to attend the remembrance event.
Lady Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi passed away on August 23, 2021, at the age of 97 at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia. She was born on November 21, 1923.
Major General Aguiyi-Ironsi was born on March 3, 1924, and was killed on July 29, 1966, during the July counter-coup.
He became Nigeria’s first Military Head of State after assuming power in the aftermath of the January 15, 1966 military coup.
His administration was cut short when he was assassinated during the July 1966 counter-coup carried out by a group of military officers from the Northern Region led by Murtala Muhammed.
