The family of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, the late Maj. Gen. Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, has thanked President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Abia State Governor Alex Otti and other dignitaries for honouring his memory 60 years after his assassination.
In a statement signed by his son, Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, a former Minister of Defence, the family said the anniversary activities provided an opportunity to reflect on the late military leader’s contributions to Nigeria.
The Punch reported that the family described the commemoration as a solemn tribute to Aguiyi-Ironsi’s enduring legacy of patriotism, discipline, integrity and national unity.
Aguiyi-Ironsi was assassinated on July 29, 1966, during the military counter-coup in Ibadan.
He was killed alongside the then Military Governor of the Western Region, Lt. Col. Adekunle Fajuyi.
The family particularly expressed appreciation to Tinubu, who was represented at the memorial by the Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, for calling on Nigerians to renew their commitment to national unity and patriotism.
According to the family, those values were among the principles Aguiyi-Ironsi demonstrated throughout his life and public service.
It also commended Obasanjo for attending the memorial event in Umuahia despite his busy schedule, while acknowledging former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, for sending a goodwill message.
The family further praised Otti for hosting the event and providing what it described as an enabling environment for the successful commemoration.
The memorial activities marked six decades since Aguiyi-Ironsi was killed in the aftermath of the counter-coup that reshaped Nigeria’s political and military history.
