From 1967 to 1969, Colonel Shittu Alao (born in 1937) led the Nigerian Air Force as its Chief of Staff. He was the second native-born commander to occupy this role and the fourth Commander of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). He tragically passed away in an aircraft crash in Uzebba, some 50 miles northwest of Benin, on October 15, 1969. In the plane by himself, he was thirty-two years old.
He was buried in Lagos with full military honors two days later.From 1967 to 1969, Colonel Shittu Alao (born in 1937) led the Nigerian Air Force as its Chief of Staff. He was the second native-born commander to occupy this role and the fourth Commander of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF). He tragically passed away in an aircraft crash in Uzebba, some 50 miles northwest of Benin, on October 15, 1969. In the plane by himself, he was thirty-two years old. He was buried in Lagos with full military honors two days later.