Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi
Military head of state of Nigeria in 1966 / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi GCFR MVO MBE (3 March 1924 – 29 July 1966) was a Nigerian general who was the first military head of state of Nigeria. He was appointed to head the country after the 15 January 1966 military coup.
Quick Facts 2nd Head of State of Nigeria, Chief of Staff ...
Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi | |
---|---|
2nd Head of State of Nigeria | |
In office 16 January 1966 – 29 July 1966 | |
Chief of Staff | Babafemi Ogundipe |
Preceded by | Nnamdi Azikiwe |
Succeeded by | Yakubu Gowon |
General Officer Commanding, Nigerian Army | |
In office February 1965 – 15 January 1966 | |
President | Nnamdi Azikiwe |
Prime Minister | Tafawa Balewa |
Preceded by | Christopher Welby-Everard |
Succeeded by | Yakubu Gowon |
Personal details | |
Born | (1924-03-03)3 March 1924 Umuahia, Southern Region, British Nigeria (now in Abia State, Nigeria) |
Died | 29 July 1966(1966-07-29) (aged 42) Lalupon, Western Region (now in Oyo State), Nigeria |
Political party | None (military) |
Spouse | Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi |
Occupation | Military officer |
Awards | |
Nickname | "Ironside"[1] |
Military service | |
Allegiance | British Empire (to 1960) Nigeria |
Branch/service | Nigerian Army |
Years of service | 1942–1966 |
Rank | Major general |
Unit | Commander, 2nd Brigade |
Commands | Force Commander, ONUC |
Close
He ruled from 16 January 1966,[2] until his assassination on 29th July in the same year, by a group of mutinous Northern Nigerian officers and men. The revolt was led by Major Murtala Mohammed and included Captain Theophilus Danjuma, Lieutenant Muhammadu Buhari, Lieutenant Ibrahim Babangida and Lieutenant Sani Abacha and became popularly referred to as the July counter-coup.[3]