Aguiyi-Ironsi’s Family Demands Apology, Compensation 60 Years After 1966 Counter-Coup

The family of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, has called on the Federal Government to apologise for his killing during the 1966 counter-coup, while also demanding compensation and reconciliation.

The call was made by the head of the family, Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi, during an interview with Arise News.

According to him, the family deserves a sincere apology and compensation for the loss of the former Head of State.

“I think the family needs an apology. The family needs to be compensated. We need a sincere apology. We need sincere reconciliation,” he said.

Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi described his late uncle as a visionary, detribalised leader who was unjustly blamed for a coup in which he played no role.

“He was a man of vision. He was a detribalised Nigerian. He was a good leader,” he said.

He noted that Aguiyi-Ironsi served as Nigeria’s Head of State for only six months before he was killed.

“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 maintained that it is widely acknowledged that Aguiyi-Ironsi was not involved in the January 15, 1966 coup, adding that he assumed leadership only because he was the most senior military officer at the time.

“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 added.

Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi expressed hope that those in positions of authority would consider the family’s appeal for justice and reconciliation.

Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi served as Nigeria’s Head of State from January 16 to July 29, 1966, after assuming office following the January 15 military coup.

Although he survived the coup and restored order, his administration faced growing opposition, particularly over the promulgation of Decree 34, which replaced Nigeria’s federal structure with a unitary system, and his failure to prosecute the coup plotters.

He was assassinated on July 29, 1966, alongside his host, Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, during the military uprising that became known as the July counter-coup.