Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, a Nigerian military officer, seized power and became the Head of State on January 16, 1966, after a military coup that overthrew the government of Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. The coup, led by a group of army officers, resulted in the death of the Prime Minister and other high-ranking officials.
Aguiyi-Ironsi, who was then a Brigadier and the Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, was not directly involved in the coup. However, he was a senior military officer and a member of the Supreme Military Council. He was chosen by the coup plotters to take over as the Head of State due to his seniority and perceived neutrality.
On January 16, 1966, Aguiyi-Ironsi was sworn in as the Head of State, marking the beginning of military rule in Nigeria. His regime lasted until July 29, 1966, when he was overthrown and killed in a counter-coup led by a group of army officers, primarily from the northern region.
Aguiyi-Ironsi’s regime was marked by attempts to centralize power, abolish the federal system, and promote national unity. However, his policies were controversial, and his regime was cut short by the counter-coup that led to his demise…..Seê _ Morê
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