Sixty years after the assassination of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, his family is still seeking justice.
The family has asked the Federal Government for an official apology and compensation. They made the demand during a memorial event marking the 60th anniversary of his death.
Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi, the late general’s nephew and family head, spoke about the issue during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Thursday, July 30.
He described Aguiyi-Ironsi as a patriotic leader with a clear vision for Nigeria. He also praised his commitment to serving the country during his short time in office.
The former Head of State spent only six months in power before soldiers killed him during the 1966 counter-coup.
Imo said the government has never offered the family a sincere apology for the loss of their son. He insisted that Aguiyi-Ironsi committed no crime.
According to him, Aguiyi-Ironsi’s only “crime” was being the most senior military officer at the time. He accepted the responsibility to lead Nigeria after the 1966 coup.
“He did not take part in the coup. He accepted the call to serve his fatherland before they brutally killed him,” Imo said.
The family head explained that many people moved on after the tragedy. However, the family still wants recognition, compensation, and reconciliation.
“The family needs to be compensated, given a sincere apology, and reconciliation,” he said.
Aguiyi-Ironsi became Nigeria’s Head of State after the January 1966 coup. The coup led to the deaths of Prime Minister Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and several senior military officers.
His death remains one of the most significant events in Nigeria’s political history. His family continues to seek acknowledgment of the circumstances surrounding his assassination.
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