Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi
Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi GCFR MVO MBE (3 March 1924 – 29 July 1966) was a Nigerian military officer who was the first military head of state of Nigeria. He seized power during the ensuing chaos after the 15 January 1966 military coup.
Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi GCFR MVO MBE | |
|---|---|
| 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 | 3 March 1924 Umuahia, Southern Region, British Nigeria (now in Abia State, Nigeria) |
| Died | 29 July 1966 (aged 42) Lalupon, Western Region (now in Oyo State), Nigeria |
| Political party | None (military) |
| Spouse | Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi |
| Occupation | Military officer |
| Awards |
|
| Nickname | "Ironside" |
| 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 |
He ruled from 16 January 1966 until his assassination by a group of mutinous Northern Nigerian officers and men who were led by Major Murtala Mohammed and included Captain Theophilus Danjuma, Lieutenant Muhammadu Buhari, Lieutenant Ibrahim Babangida and Lieutenant Sani Abacha in a revolt against his government in what was popularly called the July counter-coup.
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