Several media in Nigeria are reporting that Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, the country’s former first lady, has died at the age of 97.
Her family has not officially confirmed her death.
She is the widow of Major-General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, who seized power after a military coup in Nigeria in 1966. He ruled the country for six months, until he was assassinated by a group of military officers who launched a counter coup.
By the time of his death, the couple had had eight children. Ms Aguiyi-Ironsi as not remarried since.
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President Muhammadu Buhari has extended deepest condolences to the Aguiyi-Ironsi family, and government and people of Abia State on the passing of Chief Mrs Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi.