Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State on Friday attended a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the passing of late General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, GCFR.
The ceremony took place at the late leader’s cenotaph in Ikoyi, Lagos, where dignitaries gathered to honour his life, leadership and contributions to Nigeria’s development.
Among those present were Senator Daisy Danjuma, wife of retired Lt. General Theophilus Danjuma; Dr. Aisha Muhammed Oyebode, daughter of the late Head of State and Chief Executive Officer of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation; her husband, Gbenga Oyebode; and Hon. Bola Oladunjoye, Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende Local Council Development Area (LCDA). Other government officials and notable personalities also attended the event.
The ceremony featured the laying of wreaths at the cenotaph in honour of General Muhammed, as participants reflected on his leadership style and enduring influence on Nigeria’s political history.
General Murtala Ramat Muhammed served as Nigeria’s Head of State from July 1975 until his assassination on 13 February 1976. Although his tenure lasted just seven months, it is widely regarded as a period of decisive leadership and sweeping reforms.
He assumed power through a bloodless coup that removed General Yakubu Gowon and swiftly embarked on major changes, including the reorganisation of the civil service, creation of new states, a strong anti-corruption drive, and setting Nigeria firmly on the path to a return to civilian rule.
His administration was cut short when his convoy was ambushed in Ikoyi, Lagos, during an attempted coup by military officers. General Muhammed, his driver and his aide-de-camp were killed in the attack.
Following his death, leadership passed to his deputy, Lieutenant General Olusegun Obasanjo, who continued the transition programme that eventually culminated in democratic governance.
Fifty years later, commemorative events have been held throughout February 2026 to mark the anniversary of his death. These activities have included exhibitions, policy dialogues, memorial services and wreath-laying ceremonies across the country.
The Ikoyi event attended by Governor Sanwo-Olu formed part of these nationwide commemorations, highlighting General Muhammed’s lasting legacy and his place in Nigeria’s history.
