Widow of the late Major-General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, Nigeria’s first military head of state, is dead. Chief Victoria Nwanyiocha Aguiyi-Ironsi died at the age 97.
Born on November 21, 1923, she was the second First Lady of Nigeria between January 16, 1966 and July 29, 1996, when her husband was assassinated in a counter military coup.
It would be recalled that Aguiyi-Ironsi was killed in Ibadan in the coup led by Murtala Muhammed.
Reflecting on her life after the gruesome murder of her husband in an interview with The Guardian newspaper on June 3, 2016, she said.
“The truth is that 29th of July this year will be 50 years since my husband was killed. By then, I had eight children. I have seen hell and at the same time, I have seen heaven.”
Reacting to the demise of the former first lady, President Muhammadu Buhari extended deepest condolences to the Aguiyi-Ironsi family, and government and people of Abia State.
In a statement by spokesperson, Femi Adesina, the President “affirms 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 notes 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 wellbeing of families of military officers.
“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”.
