The family of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, is demanding a formal apology and compensation from the Federal Government over his killing during the 1966 counter-coup.
Speaking in an interview with _Arise News_ on Thursday, the head of the family, Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi, said the time has come for reconciliation and redress over what he described as a wrongful death.
“The family needs an apology. The family needs to be compensated. We need sincere apology. We need sincere reconciliation,” he said.
Imo described his uncle as a patriotic and visionary leader who was unjustly punished for a coup he had no hand in.
“He was a man of vision. He was a detribalized Nigerian. He was a good leader,” he stated.
According to him, Aguiyi-Ironsi’s tenure was cut short after only six months in office.
“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. Everybody knows that,” he said.
Imo explained that his uncle’s death was a consequence of his seniority in the military, not of any crime.
“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.
He expressed hope that authorities would respond to the family’s appeal.
“Well, I hope there are people who are in positions to make this happen that are listening to you tonight,” he said.
*Background*
General Aguiyi-Ironsi assumed office as Head of State on January 16, 1966, following the January 15 coup that claimed several political leaders. Though he survived that coup and helped suppress the mutiny, his government’s Unification Decree 34 and the decision not to prosecute the January plotters drew criticism, especially from northern officers.
He was killed on July 29, 1966, alongside his host, Lt. Col. Adekunle Fajuyi, during a counter-coup staged by northern soldiers — an event widely regarded as a turning point in Nigeria’s political history.
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