The family of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, has called on the Federal Government to formally apologise for his assassination in 1966, while also demanding compensation and genuine reconciliation.

The appeal was made by the head of the Aguiyi-Ironsi family, Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi, during an interview on Arise News on Thursday.

According to him, the late military leader was unfairly blamed for the January 1966 coup despite having no involvement in its planning or execution.

He described Aguiyi-Ironsi as a patriotic and detribalised Nigerian whose leadership was cut short by circumstances beyond his control.

Imo maintained that his uncle became Head of State solely because he was the most senior military officer following the January 15, 1966 coup and paid the ultimate price for accepting that responsibility.

He argued that Aguiyi-Ironsi’s six-month administration ended not because of any wrongdoing on his part but because of his position in the military hierarchy.

The family head urged the Federal Government to acknowledge what he described as a historical injustice by offering a sincere apology, providing compensation and taking steps toward national reconciliation.

He expressed hope that those in positions of authority would consider the family’s request and take action.

Aguiyi-Ironsi assumed office as Nigeria’s Head of State on January 16, 1966, after the coup that claimed the lives of several top political leaders. Although he survived the uprising and restored order, his administration faced growing opposition, particularly following the promulgation of Decree No. 34, which introduced a unitary system of government, and criticism over the handling of the coup plotters.

He was assassinated on July 29, 1966, during the counter-coup led by northern military officers. He was killed alongside the Military Governor of the Western Region, Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, in Ibadan.