Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi

Nigerian military leader (1924-1966)

Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi MVO, MBE (3 March 1924 – 29 July 1966) was the first Military Head of State of Nigeria. He took control of Nigeria during the 15 January 1966 military coup.[1]


Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi

2nd Head of State of Nigeria
In office
17 January 1966 – 29 July 1966
Chief of StaffBabafemi Ogundipe
Preceded byNnamdi Azikiwe
Succeeded byYakubu Gowon
General Officer Commanding, Nigerian Army
In office
1965 – January 1966
PresidentNnamdi Azikiwe
Preceded byChristopher Welby-Everard
Succeeded byYakubu Gowon
Personal details
Born(1924-03-03)3 March 1924
Umuahia, Eastern Region, Nigeria, British Nigeria
(now Umuahia, Abia, Nigeria)
Died29 July 1966(1966-07-29) (aged 42)
Lalupon, Oyo Nigeria
NationalityNigerian
Political partyNone (military)
Spouse(s)Victoria Aguyi-Ironsi
AwardsMember of the Royal Victorian Order
Member of the Order of the British Empire
Military service
Allegiance British Empire (to 1960)
 Nigeria
Branch/service Nigerian Army
Years of service1942–1966
RankMajor General
UnitCommander, 2nd Brigade
CommandsForce Commander, ONUC

He ruled Nigeria from 16 January 1966 until his assassination on 29 July 1966 by military officials.[2]

References change

  1. Congress, The Library of. "LC Linked Data Service: Authorities and Vocabularies (Library of Congress)". id.loc.gov. Retrieved 2020-05-26.
  2. "Gen. Ironsi's SIN Against The North That led To His Death At The Hands Of Gowon's Putschist | opera news". opera.news. Retrieved 2020-05-27.