Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has called on Nigerians to embrace justice, unity and selfless leadership as enduring pillars of nation-building as the country marks the 60th anniversary of the assassination of Nigeria’s first military Head of State, Major General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi, and the Military Governor of the old Western Region, Lieutenant Colonel Francis Adekunle Fajuyi.
The call was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Global Publicity Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr. Ezechi Chukwu, on behalf of the President-General of the organisation, Senator Azuta Mbata, who described the slain military officers as national heroes whose sacrifice continues to symbolise courage, loyalty and patriotism.
The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation said the memories of Aguiyi-Ironsi and Fajuyi transcend ethnic, religious and political divides, stressing that their lives remain enduring examples of honour, integrity and commitment to Nigeria’s unity.
According to the statement, Aguiyi-Ironsi dedicated his life to the service of Nigeria at a defining moment in the nation’s history, while Fajuyi demonstrated extraordinary courage by refusing to abandon his guest and Commander-in-Chief, choosing honour over personal safety.
Speaking through the statement signed by Dr. Chukwu, Senator Mbata said the remarkable friendship and shared fate of the two military officers remain a powerful lesson for Nigerians.
“The memories of Major General J.T.U. Aguiyi-Ironsi and Lieutenant Colonel Adekunle Fajuyi remind us that patriotism is measured not by words but by sacrifice. They stood for duty, honour and the ideal of one united Nigeria founded on justice and mutual respect.
“Their friendship and shared fate remain a powerful lesson that our diversity should be our greatest strength, not a source of division. As we honour their memories today, we call on all Nigerians, especially those in positions of leadership, to embrace courage, fairness, equity and selfless service as the enduring pillars of nation-building.”
Ohanaeze maintained that the most fitting tribute to the fallen military leaders is the collective commitment to building a Nigeria where every citizen enjoys equal dignity, equal opportunity and equal protection under the law.
The organisation said the country’s current challenges require leaders who are guided by justice, inclusion, accountability and genuine national reconciliation.
It also urged Nigerians across all ethnic nationalities to reject hatred, violence and intolerance while embracing dialogue, peaceful coexistence and constitutional democracy.
Ohanaeze expressed hope that the memories of Aguiyi-Ironsi and Fajuyi would continue to inspire present and future generations to place national interest above sectional considerations and work tirelessly for a peaceful, prosperous and united Federal Republic of Nigeria.
