Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday took part in a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of late General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, GCFR.
The ceremony drew several prominent personalities, including 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; as well as the Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Hon. Bola Oladunjoye, alongside other officials and guests.
Attendees laid wreaths at the cenotaph in tribute to General Muhammed, honouring his life, leadership, and lasting impact on the nation.
General Murtala Ramat Muhammed was Nigeria’s Head of State from July 1975 until his assassination on February 13, 1976.
Though his tenure lasted only seven months, it was widely recognized for transformative reforms, including restructuring the civil service, establishing new states, fighting corruption, and initiating steps toward a return to civilian rule.
He assumed power following a bloodless coup that ousted General Yakubu Gowon and moved swiftly to implement wide-ranging policies.
His leadership was abruptly ended when his convoy was ambushed in Ikoyi, Lagos, during a failed coup attempt, resulting in his death alongside his driver and aide-de-camp.
Following his assassination, leadership passed to his deputy, Lieutenant General Olusegun Obasanjo, who continued the transition to civilian governance.
Fifty years later, commemorative activities are being held throughout February 2026, including exhibitions, policy dialogues, memorial gatherings, and wreath-laying ceremonies, highlighting General Muhammed’s legacy and enduring impact on Nigeria’s history.