Tinubu, Obasanjo, Otti Lead Dignitaries at 60th Anniversary Memorial of Aguiyi-Ironsi

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo,Nigeria’s former first Lady, Dr. Mrs Patience Jonathan, Abia State Governor Alex Otti and other prominent Nigerians on Wednesday commemorated the 60th anniversary of the death of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Major-General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, at the Aguiyi-Ironsi Cenotaph in Umuahia, Abia State.

President Tinubu was represented at the ceremony by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, while the event also drew the attendance of former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, Anambra State Governor Professor Chukwuma Soludo, who was represented, former Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (retd.), former Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development Dr. Uche Ogah, President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Chief John Mbata, members of the diplomatic corps, senior military officers and other distinguished guests.

The memorial featured solemn prayers, the sounding of the Last Post and the laying of wreaths in honour of the late military leader, who served as Nigeria’s first military Head of State after the January 15, 1966 coup. Aguiyi-Ironsi’s administration lasted just over six months before he was overthrown and assassinated during the July 29, 1966 counter-coup.

Speaking after the event, Governor Otti described the ceremony as a solemn reminder of the values that should continue to guide Nigeria’s growth and unity.

He noted that the memorial was marked by prayers, the sounding of the Last Post and the laying of wreaths, describing the observances as enduring symbols of honour, sacrifice, respect and national unity.

The governor also referenced remarks by Louisa Aguiyi-Ironsi, who described the annual remembrance as more than a ceremonial gathering, but a call for collective remembrance and national renewal.

According to Otti, she urged Nigerians to build the country’s future on the principles of justice, accountability, discipline and the collective good, while encouraging citizens to embrace unity, dialogue and cooperation over division and conflict.

Emphasising the importance of national cohesion, Otti called on Nigerians to rise above ethnic, religious and political differences, stressing that the nation’s strength lies in unity, justice and fairness for all.

He also prayed for the peaceful repose of the late Aguiyi-Ironsi and expressed hope for a more united, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.