Fifty five years after her husband’s assassination, Victoria, wife of Nigeria’s first Head of State, Major General Johnson Thomas Umunakwe (JTU) Aguiyi-Ironsi, is dead.
She died at 97.
Madam Victoria would have been 98 on November 21.
Her husband was assassinated on July 29, 1966 in Ibadan alongside his host and military governor of the defunct Western Region, Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi during Nigeria’s second coup.
Madam Victoria, who never re-married, died in the early hours of Monday.
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has extended deepest condolences to the Aguiyi-Ironsi family, and government and people of Abia State on the passing of Madam Victoria.
A statement by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, reads: “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.U. 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”.
