 |
| The late Aguiyi‑Ironsi and Fajuyi |
The Aguiyi‑Ironsi family has paid tribute to the late Lt. Col. Francis Adekunle Fajuyi, hailing his death during the July 1966 counter‑coup as a supreme and heroic sacrifice for Nigeria’s unity and integrity.
In a letter of remembrance addressed to Fajuyi’s relatives ahead of the 60th anniversary of his death, the family praised Fajuyi’s actions under threat as enduring symbols of loyalty, courage and public service.
The message, signed by Chief Thomas Aguiyi‑Ironsi, CON, son of Major General Johnson Aguiyi‑Ironsi and former Minister of Defence, called the July 29, 2026 commemoration a solemn moment to honour a soldier they described as a war hero who “willingly offered himself as a sacrificial lamb for the unity of Nigeria.”
The family recalled that during the July 1966 counter‑coup in Ibadan, mutinous soldiers abducted both Fajuyi, then Military Governor of the Western Region, and Head of State Aguiyi‑Ironsi. They noted that Fajuyi could have saved himself but chose to remain with his guest and superior officer, a decision they said embodied the highest ideals of honour, loyalty and military brotherhood.
The statement read in part, “He did not run. He did not hide. He chose to stand. In that sacrificial decision lay the essence of his greatness.”
The family said Fajuyi’s action elevated him beyond the status of a military officer and transformed him into a national martyr whose legacy continues to inspire generations of Nigerians.
It added that his sacrifice remains a powerful reminder of the values of courage, selflessness and commitment to national unity.
The Aguiyi-Ironsi family also extended its sympathy to the Fajuyi family, acknowledging the pain of their loss six decades after the tragic incident.
It prayed for continued strength, comfort and peace for the family while expressing appreciation to Nigerians and institutions that have continued to honour the memory of the late military governor.
According to the family, the consistent recognition accorded Fajuyi over the years demonstrates that the sacrifice of a true patriot is never forgotten.
The family further called on government institutions, military authorities and custodians of Nigeria’s history to sustain efforts aimed at preserving and honouring Fajuyi’s legacy.
It stressed that remembering Fajuyi’s sacrifice should not be left solely to his family but should remain a national responsibility because of the significance of his actions to Nigeria’s history.
The family urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from his life and sacrifice, noting that his legacy continues to challenge citizens and leaders alike to uphold the values of unity, courage, honour and selfless service.
Lt. Col. Fajuyi was killed on July 29, 1966, during the military counter-coup in Ibadan alongside Aguiyi-Ironsi after refusing to abandon the Head of State to his abductors.
0 comments:
Post a Comment