Aguiyi-Ironsi's Family Seeks Apology 58 Years Later

The family of Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, Nigeria's first military Head of State, is demanding an apology and compensation from the Federal Government for his killing in 1966. Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi, the family head, expressed these demands during an interview with Arise News.

He described Aguiyi-Ironsi as a visionary leader who was wrongfully punished for a coup he did not participate in. Aguiyi-Ironsi served as Head of State from January 16 to July 29, 1966, after the January 15 coup that resulted in the deaths of Nigeria's political leaders.

His tenure lasted only six months, ending violently with his death during the July counter-coup, where he was killed alongside Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi. Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi insisted that his uncle's death was due to his position as the most senior military officer and not any wrongdoing on his part.

He hopes that his appeal for reconciliation and compensation will reach those in power.