Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi-Ironsi MVO, MBE (3 March 1924 – 29 July 1966) was the first Nigerian Military Head of State.
He seized power in the ensuing chaos following the 15 January 1966 military coup, serving as the Nigerian Head of States from the 16th of January 1966 until his assassination on the 29th of July 1966 by a group of mutinous Northern Nigerian soldiers who were led by Major Theophilus Danjuma , Major Ibrahim Badamusi Babangida, and General Murtala Mohammed were army soldiers who revolted against his government in what was popularly called the July Counter Coup.