The family of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, has called on the Federal Government to apologise, provide compensation and pursue reconciliation over his killing in 1966.
The family’s head, Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi, made the demand during an interview with Arise News on Thursday, insisting that the late military leader was unfairly punished despite having no involvement in the January 1966 coup.
“I think the family needs apology. The family needs to be compensated. We need sincere apology. We need sincere reconciliation,” he said.
Describing Aguiyi-Ironsi as a visionary and patriotic Nigerian, Imo said his uncle was a good leader who did not deserve the fate that befell him.
“He was a man of vision. He was a detribalised Nigerian. He was a good leader,” he said.
Aguiyi-Ironsi became Head of State on January 16, 1966, following the coup that resulted in the deaths of several political leaders and senior military officers.
However, his administration lasted only about six months before he was killed during the July 1966 counter-coup.
Imo stressed that his uncle was not involved in the January coup and argued that he was targeted because of his position as the most senior military officer at the time.
“He occupied the seat of head of state for only six months, and he was taken away from us.
“Not because of a sin he committed, because he wasn’t part of the January 1966 coup,” he said.
He added that Aguiyi-Ironsi had been asked to take control of the country because of his seniority in the military, a decision he said ultimately contributed to his death.
“Only because of his position as the most senior military officer, he was told to take charge. And then that cost him his life,” he said.
Aguiyi-Ironsi survived the January 1966 coup and subsequently assumed control of the government. However, his decision to centralise the country’s administration through Decree 34, coupled with his failure to prosecute those involved in the coup, generated significant resentment, particularly among northern military officers.
On July 29, 1966, he was killed alongside the Military Governor of the Western Region, Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, during the counter-coup led by northern soldiers.
Imo expressed hope that the family’s appeal would reach individuals and institutions with the authority to address the issue.
“Well, I hope there are people who are in positions to make this happen that are listening to you tonight,” he said.
