Widow of Nigeria’s first military ruler, Lady Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, dies at 98

Nigeria’s former First Lady, Victoria Nwanyiocha Aguiyi-Ironsi, is dead. A close family friend disclosed that she died at 5.00am on Monday, exactly one day her after friend, age mate and wife of the former Premier of Eastern Nigeria, Adanma Okpara, died.

She was the widow of Gen. Johnson Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, who was the first Nigerian military head of state.

He was killed in Ibadan in a counter-coup led by Gen. Murtala Mohammed, also deceased.

Born on 21st November, 1923, Lady Ironsi was the second First Lady of Nigeria from January 16, 1966 to July 29, 1966.

She married Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi as a student of Holy Rosary Convent School, Okigwe, in 1953 at the age of 16.

Widow of Nigeria’s first military ruler, Lady Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, dies at 98

When our correspondent visited her Ogurube Layout, Umuahia residence, her son, Ambassador Thomson Aguiyi-Ironsi, was not available.

However, when contacted by telephone, he simply said he will be speaking on the incident soon.

Lady Aguiyi-Ironsi was born in November 1923; while her friend, Adanma Okpara, was born in June 1924.

May her soul rest in peace. Amen