President Bola Tinubu, Abia State governor Alex Otti and former President Olusegun Obasanjo were among the dignitaries who, on Wednesday, commemorated the 60th anniversary of the death of Nigeria’s first military ruler, Major-General Johnson Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, at the Aguiyi-Ironsi Cenotaph in Umuahia.
Otti shared pictures from the event on his official X handle.
He disclosed that President Tinubu was represented by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd.), while former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, who was represented, former Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (retd.), Dr Uche Ogah, Chief John Mbata, members of the diplomatic corps, senior military officers and other dignitaries also attended the memorial.
The late Aguiyi-Ironsi took over power on January 16, 1966, following Nigeria’s first military coup, which ended the First Republic.
Aguiyi-Ironsi’s administration lasted just over six months. On July 29, 1966, he was overthrown and assassinated in a counter-coup.
The ceremony featured solemn prayers, the sounding of the Last Post and the laying of wreaths in honour of the late military leader.
Otti said the ceremony served as a reminder of the values that should continue to guide the nation.
“The ceremony was marked by solemn prayers, the sounding of the Last Post, and the laying of wreaths, a timeless symbol of honour, respect, sacrifice, and unity,” he said.
The governor also referenced a tribute delivered by Louisa Aguiyi-Ironsi, who described the memorial as more than a ceremonial event.
According to Otti, she said the occasion was “a call to collective remembrance and national reaffirmation” and urged Nigerians to build the country’s future on “justice, accountability, discipline, and the collective good of all citizens.”
Otti added that her message challenged Nigerians “to choose unity over division, dialogue over conflict, and cooperation over resentment.”
He stressed the need for national cohesion, saying, “Nigeria must rise above the vices that divide us and embrace the virtues that bind us together. Our strength lies in unity, in building bridges across ethnic, religious, and political lines, and in pursuing justice and fairness for all.”
The governor prayed for the repose of Aguiyi-Ironsi’s soul and expressed hope for a united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
See pictures below:
