Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, joined members of the family of late former Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, and other prominent Nigerians at a wreath-laying ceremony to mark 50 years since his death.
The solemn remembrance event took place at the General Murtala Ramat Muhammed Cenotaph in Ikoyi, Lagos, the location where the late leader was assassinated. The gathering drew top government officials, military representatives, diplomats, and notable personalities from different sectors.
Speaking during the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, who is also the daughter of the late Head of State, reflected on the emotional impact of her father’s death on the family. She recalled that she was only 12 years old at the time, noting that the pain remains fresh decades later.
“We stand here not just to lay a wreath, but to lay down our gratitude. Fifty years is a long time in the life of a nation, and also in the lives of the children who lost their father that day. This moment is about gratitude,” she said.
She described General Muhammed as a lasting symbol of brave and principled leadership. She said he viewed public office as a sacred responsibility and remained committed to national progress.
“General Murtala Muhammed stood for courage, decisive leadership and an unshakeable belief in Nigeria’s potential. Today’s remembrance is not only about honoring his memory, but about recommitting ourselves to the ideals he lived and died for — service, integrity and national unity,” she said.
Dr. Muhammed-Oyebode also highlighted her father’s influence beyond Nigeria. She pointed to his role in supporting liberation movements in Africa, especially in Angola during its struggle for independence.
In his tribute, Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the late General as an outstanding Pan-Africanist whose tenure left a strong imprint on Nigeria’s governance structure.
“He was a leader who governed with courage, compassion, dignity, and an unwavering sense of purpose, always putting Nigeria first. We lost one of Africa’s finest Pan-Africanists and a leader who achieved so much within an incredibly short time,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Also speaking at the event, Major General (Rtd.) Ahmed Taiwo, who represented the family of late Colonel Ibrahim Taiwo, recalled the courage displayed by the military officers of that era. He said they remained resolute despite security threats.
“When he was told that some people were planning against him, he waved it aside and said, ‘Let them plan; good luck if they can run the country.’ These were men in a hurry to make an impact—and they did, in just 200 days,” he said.
The remembrance ceremony ended with calls on Nigerians, especially those in leadership positions, to emulate General Murtala Muhammed’s legacy. Speakers urged citizens to uphold the ideals of patriotism, discipline, integrity, and national unity for which he was known.
