Victoria Ironsi, Adanma Okpara Go Home in Glory

Tribute

It was double tragedy for Abia State and Nigeria when the wife of General Aguiyi Ironsi, first Military Head of State, Victoria and wife of late Micheal Okpara, Premier of the Easter region, Adanma demised 24 hours apart and tributes have been pouring in, reports Ahamefula Ogbu

Fate seemed to have served them on similar plates as they are from the same place, Umuahia, Abia State, though married to men of different callings, one to a military officer and the other a politician but from same Umuahia. They were First ladies, one at the federal and the other at regional level. It seems the differential in professions of their spouses account for the minute difference in time of their exits which is within 24 hours.

Events that led to the death of General Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi Ironsi also culminated in the stoppage of the democratic reign of Dr. Michael Iheonukara Okpara who after being shoved out of office by the military lived till 1984 when he died and his widow continued life till Sunday, August 22, 2021.

Lady Victoria Nwanyiocha Aguiyi Ironsi, born November 21, 1923, she was wife to military Head of State of Nigeria, General Ironsi who betrothed her at 16 years while she was still in secondary school at Holy Rosary Convent School in Okigwe and had five children, two males and three females before the reprisal coup of 1966. His son, Ambassador Johnson Aguiyi Ironsi confirmed the transition of his 97 year old mother, adding that details about her death and burial plans would be made available in due course.

About 24 hours earlier, widow of Dr. Okpara, Adanma had reportedly died in an undisclosed hospital where she went a day earlier for medical attention. She was aged 96. She was the first lady of the Old Eastern region comprising about nine states today. Born June 22, 1924.

The demise of both first ladies marked a huge loss to Abia State and the nation in general as they lived quiet lives with their children till last week which has thrown Abia into a state of double mourning.

Lady Ironsi was also a woman leader, an administrator, having been appointed Commissioner in the Local Government Services Commission in Umuahia, a fashion designer and women political leader in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). She was the first to hold the position of First Lady of Nigeria and glamourised it with her dressing which earned her the reference as “pretty and effortlessly regal”

She was said to have been managing her health following a stroke she suffered some years ago which later claimed her life in the early hours of Monday, August 23 that had drawn a lot of condolence messages which attest to her sterling qualities.

Lady Okpara who would have turned 97 in December was said to have been managing a debilitating ill health arising from old age before she went to hospital on Saturday and died on Sunday.

She was said to be the wind behind the late husband’s sail as she accompanied him in his political journeys and helped to ensure he was the success which he is remembered for as he supervised the South East economy that was rated and fasted growing economy globally then.

She was before her death, a woman leader, farmer and teacher an influential community leader whose counsel was highly revered.

Adanma attended Central School Ndoro, Ikwuano Oboro; Mary Flanney Memorial School Oron, Women Training College. Umuahia and Westhill Teachers College among others and was said to have dutifully combined all she did with raising their children.

Since the demise of the duo, torrents of tributes have flooded the media space in condolence messages from across the country and beyond with President Muhammadu Buhari leading the pack with flowery words.

A condolence message from the President through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adeshina read, “President Muhammadu Buhari extends deepest condolences to the Aguiyi-Ironsi family, and government and people of Abia State on the passing of Chief Mrs. Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, wife of the first military Head of State, Major General Johnson Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi.

“The President affirms that Lady Victoria’s incredible strength and exceptional courage during one of the darkest moments in our nation’s history pedestals her as a mother of the nation, God-fearing and a foremost woman of valour.

“The President notes that the former First Lady will be remembered for laying a solid foundation for women’s leadership role in the seat of power and as a founding member of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association; she passionately championed the welfare and wellbeing of families of military officers.

“The President recognises that 55 years after the death of General J.T Aguiyi-Ironsi, Lady Victoria never stopped working for the greater good of Nigeria, and for peace, stability, healing and reconciliation in the land.

“The President sincerely hopes that Lady Victoria’s labours for the country will not be in vain, and joins all Nigerians in praying for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for those who mourn.”

On Lady Okpara, the President commiserated with family and also joined the government and people of Abia State and all Nigerians in mourning the passing of an enterprising and disciplined mother, who was a worthy example of humility and hard work to her children and the many women she mentored in her community.

He affirmed that the late wife of the very formidable figure in the First Republic and the Eastern Nigeria, led by example even after leaving public office.

In a condolence message on behalf of his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan, and other members of his family to the Aguiyi-Ironsis’ and the Government and people of Abia State, former President Goodluck Jonathan noted that her passing on was a great loss to the nation, because of her place in Nigeria’s chequered journey of nationhood.

Jonathan who spoke through his former media Adviser. Ikechukwu Eze, described her as “a notable matriarch, who established herself as a totem of support and stability even in very challenging times in the nation’s history.

“For a long time, after her husband’s unfortunate death in office, she conducted herself as a doyen of womanly dignity and honour in a manner that epitomised patriotism, courage, and compassion.

“She was indeed a devout woman, whose enormous sacrifices for the unity and progress of our nation will not be forgotten.”

Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State said that he received the news Okpara’s death “with a heavy heart but with a deep sense of gratitude to the Almighty God for a very fulfilled life”, adding that the late First Lady of Eastern Region was the backbone of her husband, who was premier between 1959 and 1966.

Ikpeazu who spoke through Onyebuchi Ememanka, said “Together, they gave the people of the old Eastern Region, a first class government, whose achievements continue to reverberate even till this day,” Ikpeazu said.

He added that “the spousal support she provided to her late husband was instrumental to the monumental success he recorded as premier”

Former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar, also commiserated with the family of the late Okpara on the demise of its matriarch, Lady Adanma.

“I received the news of the death of your matriarch with mixed feelings. It is usually a saddening moment for me at the news of the demise of anyone at all; even though this one is at a very ripe old age. Death naturally diminishes humanity and the loss of one’s mother is very painful at any time”, Atiku said in a statement.

In his message, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, said with the death of both Victoria Aguiyi Ironsi and Adanma Okpara, Nigeria and Abia State had lost two great women.

Abaribe, spoke through his media aide, Uchenna Awom, and lamented the death within a space of two days of the two great women marked a sad end of glorious era.

“I’m happy they lived a robust and very active life of service that is worthy of emulation and of course both of them raised good families and highly successful children, who are contributing very well in the development of our dear country and state of Abia. We are very proud of them and will sorely miss them,” Abaribe said.