…pen tearful tributes
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has expressed deep sorrow over the sudden passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, describing his death as a significant loss for Osun State, the Nigerian Army, and the country at large.
In a statement released in Osogbo, Adeleke called the transition of the military chief “a huge misfortune.”
“A huge misfortune has befallen the people of Osun State, the Nigerian army, and the great Lagbaja family of Ilobu. We lost a rare breed, a gentleman, and a true patriot to the cold hand of death,” the governor stated.
Highlighting General Lagbaja’s vision for the Nigerian Army, Adeleke noted, “Our late brother has a big vision of operational reforms for the Nigerian Army.
He launched and commenced the implementation of root and branch reform of the Nigerian Army. Within his short stint in office, he enforced professionalism and battled terrorists and bandits with terrifying fierceness.”
“Our late brother was a very hard-working officer, a true workaholic, a fierce soldier, a replica of the traditional army officer with an ambitious plan for modernisation and integration of the Nigerian Army.
In my last encounter with him, he exuded hope and aspirations of a better Nigeria with the military as a stabiliser and unifier of the federation. In late General Lagbaja, we had a great military leader with the poise, the confidence, and the firmness to realise the vision of a new Nigerian Army.”
Acknowledging the loss, he added, “Unfortunately, the end came suddenly. We surrendered to the will of the Almighty Creator. I commiserate with the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces, my people of Ilobu, and the great Lagbaja family. We mourn together on this sad occasion.
On behalf of the people and government of Osun State, we extend commiseration to Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja and the two children.”
Similarly, Olowu of Kuta, Oba Hameed Adekunle Makama, has mourned Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the former Chief Of Army Staff.
Oba Makama also commiserated with President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Army, the Ilobu community in Osun State as well as the family of General Lagbaja who died on Tuesday.
Olowu in a statement issued by his media office, urged the Army not to despair, but to see the death of the Army Chief as a resolve to defeat the insurgence and other associated vices plaguing Nigeria.
According to the monarch, “this is the only befiting tribute as General Lagbaja during his lifetime was committed to riding Nigeria of criminal elements.
“To the Lagbaja’s family in Ilobu, Osun State, Oba Makama said like all mortals we have to submit to the will of Allah at all times, adding that Gen Lagbaja left an indelible mark on the sand of times.”
He said; “A great man is gone. My sincere condolence to Mr. President , Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria Army, my dearest friend, Amb Lt Gen TY Buratai, his immediate family, His Royal Majesty Kabiesi Olobu, members Regular Course 39 and Osun state government.
“May his gentle soul rest in peace .”Gen Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.”
Voice Air Media gathered that He was Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.
Meanwhile, the Osun Online Publishers Association, OOPA, has expressed condolences to the people of Ilobu, Osun State, and the Nigerian Army over the General Lagbaja’s passing.
The condolence message was conveyed by the Chairman of the association, Mukhtar Ajelogbon, in a statement made available by the association’s Publicity Secretary, Yusuf Idowu in Osogbo on Wednesday.
OOPA described the untimely death of General Lagbaja as not only shocking but a great loss to both the Nigerian Army and the entire nation.
“It is with profound sadness that the Osun Online Publishers Association, learned of the sudden passing of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja. His death is a painful blow to his family, the people of Ilobu, the Nigerian Army, and the entire country.
“We stand in solidarity with the grieving families, the Ilobu Development Union (IDU) and the people of Osun State.”
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The Chairman further stated that General Lagbaja’s exemplary leadership, dedication, and service to the country as Chief of Army Staff had left an indelible mark on the operation of the Nigerian Army.
He noting that Osun state felt his impact in different capacities during his tenure as Army boss.
“We recognise the enormous contributions of General Lagbaja towards strengthening the military’s role in ensuring national security.
“His leadership was instrumental in facilitating some developmental projects to Osun, Southwest and other parts of the countries. His vision and strategic thinking will be sorely missed by all who served alongside him.
“General Lagbaja’s legacy would live on not only in his military achievements but also in his positive impact on his hometown and the state at large,” Ajelogbon added.
The association also sympathized with the people of Ilobu where the OOPA immediate past Chairman, Jare Tiamiyu hailed from.
Ajelogbon, however, expressed the association’s unwavering support for the Nigerian Army, and pledged solidarity with the family of the late General.
He called for prayers for his soul and for comfort and strength to be granted to his loved ones during this difficult time.
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