The family of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, has called on the Federal Government to issue a formal apology, pay compensation and pursue reconciliation over his assassination during the July 1966 counter-coup.

Punch reports that the call was made by Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi, a nephew of the late military leader and head of the Aguiyi-Ironsi family, during an interview on Arise News on Thursday.

“I think the family needs an apology. The family needs to be compensated. We need a sincere apology. We need sincere reconciliation,” he said.

Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi became Nigeria’s first military Head of State on January 16, 1966, following the January 15 military coup that claimed the lives of several political leaders. He survived the coup and moved to restore order before assuming leadership.

During his administration, he introduced Decree No. 34, which sought to replace Nigeria’s federal structure with a unitary system, a move that drew criticism and heightened political tensions.

On July 29, 1966, Aguiyi-Ironsi was assassinated alongside his host, Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi, during the counter-coup carried out by northern soldiers, bringing his brief administration to an end.

Speaking on his uncle’s legacy, Imo described Aguiyi-Ironsi as “a man of vision,” “a detribalised Nigerian” and “a good leader.” He said his uncle’s six-month tenure as Head of State ended not because of any wrongdoing on his part, but because he was not involved in the January 1966 coup.

“He occupied the seat of Head of State for only six months, and he was taken away from us.

“Not because of a sin committed, because he wasn’t part of the January 1966 coup,” he said.

Imo maintained that Aguiyi-Ironsi’s death was the result of his position as the country’s most senior military officer rather than any wrongdoing on his part.

“Only because of his position as the most senior military officer, he was told to take charge. And then that cost him his life.

“Well, I hope there are people who are in positions to make this happen that are listening tonight,” he said.

The family’s appeal comes nearly six decades after Aguiyi-Ironsi’s assassination as they continue to seek an official apology, compensation and reconciliation over what they describe as a long-standing historical injustice.