Widow of Nigeria’s first military ruler, Lady Victoria Nwanyiocha Aguiyi-Ironsi, is dead.
According to a close family friend, she died at 5.00am on Monday, exactly one day after her friend, age mate and wife of the former Premier of Eastern Nigeria, Adanma Okpara, died.
Her husband, Gen. Johnson Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, was the first Nigerian military head of state; and he was in office from January 17, 1966 till July 29, 1966.
He was killed in Ibadan in a counter-coup led by Gen. Murtala Mohammed, also deceased.
Born on 21st November, 1923, Lady Ironsi was the second First Lady of Nigeria from January 17, 1966 to July 29, 1966.
She married Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi as a student of Holy Rosary Convent School, Okigwe, in 1953.
When our correspondent visited her Ogurube Layout, Umuahia residence, her son, Ambassador Thomson Aguiyi-Ironsi, was not available.
However, when contacted by telephone, he simply said he will be speaking on the incident soon.
Lady Aguiyi-Ironsi was born in November 1923; while her friend, Adanma Okpara, was born in June 1924.
She Never Stopped Working For Nigeria
President Muhammadu Buhari has extended condolences to the Aguiyi-Ironsi family, and government, and people of Abia State on the passing of Chief Mrs. Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, wife of the first military Head of State, Major General Johnson Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi.
The President in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina, affirmed that “Lady Victoria’s incredible strength and exceptional courage during one of the darkest moments in our nation’s history pedestals her as a mother of the nation, God-fearing and a foremost woman of valour.
The President noted that the former First Lady will be remembered for laying a solid foundation for women’s leadership role in the seat of power and as a founding member of the Nigerian Army Officers Wives Association she passionately championed the welfare and well-being of families of military officers.
According to the statement, “The President recognises that 55 years after the death of General J.T Aguiyi-Ironsi, Lady Victoria never stopped working for the greater good of Nigeria, and for peace, stability, healing, and reconciliation in the land.
“The President sincerely hopes that Lady Victoria’s labours for the country will not be in vain, and joins all Nigerians in praying for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for those who mourn.”
