Etigwe Uwa Mourns Death Of Aguiyi-Ironsi, Okpara's Widows

The late Lady Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi was the wife of late Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, who between January-July 1966 served as the first Military Head of State and Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, while Chief Mrs. Adanma Okpara was the wife of the late Chief Dr. Michael Okpara, who served between 1959 - 1966 as the Premier of the defunct Eastern Region.

In his condolence message, Etigwe expressed grief over the death of the two outstanding Abia mothers, describing the duo as matriarchs whose footprints and contributions towards National development are indelible in the hearts of Nigerians.

The legal luminary noted that Aguiyi-Ironsi and Okpara's widows continued to inspire the younger women in politics, governance and administration with their outstanding behaviour, years after they exited office, and that both Matriarchs would be sorely missed by all who came in contact with them.

According to him, these two matriarchs would always be remembered for their resolute devotion to their families especially during their husband's reign as Premier of the old Eastern Region and the Military Head of State respectively.

Etigwe, who is the Chairman of the Board of the African University for Science and Technology Abuja, on behalf of his family and loved ones sends his deepest condolences to the families of M.I. Okpara and Aguiyi Ironsi, as well as the government and people of Abia state, and prays God to grant the duo eternal rest in heaven.