Statecraft & Independence
Distinguished
Murtala Mohammed
1938 – 1976
Head of state whose brief rule is still invoked as a standard
Distinguished is level 3 of 4 in the Nigeria Hall of Fame: sustained excellence over a career, widely honoured at home. See how the levels work.
Why they are here
Six months in office, ended by an assassin, and still the government Nigerians most often name when they talk about what decisive leadership looked like.
General Murtala Ramat Mohammed became head of state in July 1975, with Olusegun Obasanjo as his chief of staff.
He was killed in the failed Dimka coup in February 1976. Lagos's international airport carries his name.
He was killed in the failed Dimka coup in February 1976. Lagos's international airport carries his name.
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