Family to Hold 60th Memorial for Aguiyi-Ironsi in Umuahia

The family of Nigeria’s first Military Head of State, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, will on Wednesday hold activities to commemorate the 60th anniversary of his death in Umuahia, Abia State.

 

In a statement issued on Sunday by his son, former Minister of Defence, Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, the family said the memorial will take place at the Aguiyi-Ironsi Tomb Site and will feature a wreath-laying ceremony.

 

According to the statement, the event is intended to honour the late military leader’s leadership, patriotism and contributions to Nigeria’s unity and development.

 

“The anniversary provides an opportunity for the nation to honour the memory, leadership, and sacrifices of a distinguished Nigerian patriot whose contributions to national unity and development remain enduring,” the statement read.

 

The family also announced that a memorial mass for Lady Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, wife of the late Head of State, will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Afara-Ukwu, Umuahia, beginning at 10:00 a.m.

 

President Bola Tinubu, Abia State Governor Alex Otti and other prominent Nigerians are expected to attend the memorial events.

 

Lady Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi died on August 23, 2021, at the age of 97.

 

Major General Aguiyi-Ironsi, born on March 3, 1924, became Nigeria’s first Military Head of State after the January 15, 1966 coup but was assassinated on July 29, 1966, during the July counter-coup.