Family to mark 60th memorial anniversary of Aguiyi-Ironsi

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The family of the late Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, Nigeria’s first Military Head of State, has concluded plans to hold his 60th memorial anniversary in Umuahia on Wednesday.

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The family will also hold a memorial mass for his wife, Lady Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, on Sunday, August 2, 2026.

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According to his son, Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi, in a statement signed and released by him, on Sunday, the event will be held at the Aguiyi-Ironsi Tomb Site in Umuahia and will feature a wreath-laying ceremony.

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“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.

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“The Memorial Mass of Her Excellency Noble Lady V.N. Aguiyi-Ironsi will hold on Sunday, 2nd August, 2026 at St. Theresa Catholic Church, Afara-Ukwu, Umuahia, Abia State. Time: 10:00 am”, the statement partly read.

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Thomas, who was a former Minister of State for Defence and Minister of Defence, noted that President Bola Tinubu, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and other notable Nigerians are expected to grace the occasion.

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Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi died on August 23, 2021, at the age of 97, at the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia. She was born on November 21, 1923.

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Aguiyi-Ironsi was born on March 3, 1924, and was assassinated on July 29, 1966, during the July counter-coup.

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A Nigerian military officer who served as the country’s first Military Head of State, Ironsi assumed office during the ensuing chaos following the January 15, 1966 military coup.

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He was assassinated by a group of military officers from the Northern Region led by Murtala Muhammed.

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