The family of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Gen. Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, has called on the Federal Government to apologise and compensate them over his killing during the July 29, 1966 counter-coup.

“I think the family needs apology. The family needs to be compensated. We need sincere apology. We need sincere reconciliation,” head of the family, Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi, told Arise News on Thursday.

He described the late Head of State as a visionary and detribalised leader who was wrongly blamed for the January 1966 coup.

“He was a man of vision. He was a detribalized Nigerian. He was a good leader,” he said.

According to him, Aguiyi-Ironsi was killed because of his position as the most senior military officer, not because he participated in the 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 he committed, because he wasn’t part of the January 1966 coup.”

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

Imo Aguiyi-Ironsi said he hopes those in authority will respond to the family’s appeal.

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

Aguiyi-Ironsi served as Head of State from January 16 to July 29, 1966. He was killed in Ibadan alongside Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi during the mutiny by northern soldiers that became known as the July counter-coup. (Vanguard)