President Bola Tinubu, Abia State Governor Alex Otti, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo were among the dignitaries who commemorated the 60th anniversary of the death of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Major-General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi.

The event took place at the Aguiyi-Ironsi Cenotaph in Umuahia on Wednesday.

President Tinubu was represented by the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (retd). Other notable attendees included former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, representatives of Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, former Chief of Army Staff Lt-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (retd), Dr Uche Ogah, and Chief John Mbata.

Members of the diplomatic corps and senior military officers also attended the memorial. The gathering brought together political leaders, military figures, and other stakeholders to honour the late Head of State.

Governor Alex Otti shared pictures from the ceremony on his official social media handle. The event served as a moment of reflection on Aguiyi-Ironsi’s brief leadership and his place in Nigeria’s history.

The anniversary provided an opportunity for leaders from different parts of the country to come together in remembrance. The solemn occasion highlighted the enduring significance of Aguiyi-Ironsi’s role as Nigeria’s first military Head of State.

Photo credit: Podium Porters