The family of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, has called on the Federal Government to formally apologise and pay compensation over his killing during the July 1966 counter-coup.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ELLAN.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
Head of the family, Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi, made the demand during an interview with Arise News on Thursday, insisting that an apology and compensation were necessary steps towards genuine national reconciliation six decades after the former military ruler was assassinated.
“I think the family needs an apology. The family needs to be compensated. We need sincere apology. We need sincere reconciliation,” he said.
Imo described the late Head of State, who was his uncle, as a visionary, detribalised Nigerian and good leader who was wrongly made to pay for a military coup in which he did not participate.
“He was a man of vision. He was a detribalised Nigerian. He was a good leader,” he said.
According to him, Aguiyi-Ironsi occupied the position of Head of State for only six months before he was violently removed and killed, not because he committed any offence but because he assumed responsibility for leading the country after the collapse of the First Republic.
“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,” Imo said.
He maintained that Aguiyi-Ironsi survived the January 15, 1966 coup and became Head of State because he was the most senior military officer available to restore order after the mutiny.
“Everybody knows that. 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 expressed hope that President Bola Tinubu’s administration and other public officials in positions to address the family’s demands would take note of the appeal.
“Well, I hope there are people who are in positions to make this happen that are listening to you tonight,” he said.
Aguiyi-Ironsi assumed office on January 16, 1966, following the military coup of the previous day, in which several prominent political and military leaders were killed.
As General Officer Commanding the Nigerian Army and the most senior surviving military officer, he took control of the government after the coup plotters failed to seize power completely.
His administration subsequently introduced Decree No. 34, which replaced Nigeria’s federal structure with a unified system of government. The decision, alongside accusations that his administration failed to prosecute the principal actors in the January coup, contributed to growing resentment among sections of the military, particularly northern officers.
Aguiyi-Ironsi was killed on July 29, 1966, alongside the then Military Governor of the Western Region, Lieutenant Colonel Francis Adekunle Fajuyi, who was hosting him in Ibadan.
Their killing occurred during the military uprising commonly referred to as the July 1966 counter-coup, which brought Aguiyi-Ironsi’s six-month administration to an abrupt end.
The family now wants the Federal Government to formally acknowledge what it considers an injustice committed against the late Head of State and take steps towards compensation and reconciliation.
The book also examines Nigeria's legal ecosystem, focusing on the LPELR and NBA AI Guidelines. As a bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE eBook titled: How to Use the AI Features in LegalPedia and LawPavilion.
Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating:
"....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic."
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACIarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
_______________________________________________________________________
“Order Justice Omolaye-Ajileye’s Electronic Evidence Books Now” — Essential Guides On Evidence Act, Case Law And Digital Proof
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
LAWBREED — Equipping You For Greater Success!
_______________________________________________________________________
