Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu today Friday, 6th February 2026 joined national leaders, family members, and distinguished guests to honour the legacy of late Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, GCFR, at a solemn wreath-laying ceremony marking 50 years since his assassination.
Held at the cenotaph in Lagos, the memorial drew notable dignitaries including Senator Daisy Danjuma; Dr. Aisha Mohammed-Oyebode, daughter of the late General and CEO of the Murtala Mohammed Foundation, alongside her husband, Gbenga Oyebode; and the Chairman of Ikoyi-Obalende LCDA, Hon. Bola Oladunjoye.
Wreaths were laid in tribute to a leader remembered for courage, discipline, and a reformist vision that reshaped Nigeria’s governance trajectory.
General Muhammed ruled Nigeria from July 1975 until his assassination on February 13, 1976. Though his time in office lasted just seven months, it remains one of the most consequential periods in the nation’s political history.
His administration introduced sweeping civil service reforms, created new states, launched an aggressive anti-corruption drive, and set Nigeria firmly on the path back to civilian rule after years of military dominance.
He came to power through a bloodless coup that ended General Yakubu Gowon’s regime and immediately pursued decisive, people-focused policies. His leadership was tragically cut short when his convoy was ambushed in Ikoyi, Lagos, during a failed coup attempt, killing him alongside his driver and aide-de-camp. Power subsequently passed to his deputy, Lt. General Olusegun Obasanjo, who carried forward the transition to democracy.
As Nigeria marks the golden anniversary of his death, a month-long series of commemorative activities throughout February 2026 including exhibitions, policy dialogues, memorial lectures, and remembrance ceremonies is rekindling national reflection on General Murtala Muhammed’s enduring ideals and his lasting imprint on Nigeria’s political evolution.