Aguiyi-Ironsi Family Thanks Leaders for Memorial Tribute

The family of Major-General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, Nigeria’s first Military Head of State, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and other dignitaries for honoring Aguiyi-Ironsi during the 60th anniversary of his assassination on July 29, 2026. Chief Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, the late leader's son and former Minister of Defence, described the commemoration as a tribute to Aguiyi-Ironsi’s legacy of patriotism, discipline, integrity, and national unity.

The family thanked President Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Defence, for urging Nigerians to commit to these values. They also commended Obasanjo for attending the memorial in Umuahia and acknowledged Gen. Yakubu Gowon for sending a goodwill message.

Governor Alex Otti was praised for hosting the event and promoting national cohesion. The family emphasized that the memorial aimed to honor Aguiyi-Ironsi's life dedicated to national service, not to reopen historical controversies.