Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi (3 March 1924 – 29 July 1966) was a senior Nigerian
military officer and the first Nigerian Military Head of State. He seized power in the ensuing chaos following the 15 January 1966 military coup, serving as the Nigerian Head of State from 16 January 1966 until his murder on 29 July 1966
by a group of mutinous Northern army soldiers who revolted against his government in
what was popularly called the July Counter Coup.
Early Life
Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi
was born to his father Mazi (means Mister in Igbo) Ezeugo Aguiyi on 3 March
1924, in Umuahia-Ibeku, present-day Abia State, Nigeria. He was eight years old, when he moved
in with his older sister Anyamma, who was married to Theophilius Johnson,
a Sierra Leonean diplomat
in Umuahia.
Aguiyi-Ironsi subsequently took the last name of his brother-in-law as his first name, who became his father figure. At the age of 18, Aguiyi-Ironsi joined the Nigerian Army against the wishes of his sister.
Aguiyi-Ironsi subsequently took the last name of his brother-in-law as his first name, who became his father figure. At the age of 18, Aguiyi-Ironsi joined the Nigerian Army against the wishes of his sister.
Aguiyi-Ironsi had his primary and secondary school educations in
Umauhia and in Kano.
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