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, Omooba Dotun Babayemi, a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, lamented the demise of General Lagbaja, describing it as a painful and significant loss for both the state and the nation. “This is indeed a great loss for the nation and Osun State, particularly to the people of the Ilobu community. To this effect, my heartfelt condolences to our President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the military, the nation, and the Ilobu community,” Babayemi stated.
Reflecting on General Lagbaja’s contributions to national security, Babayemi praised his dedication, saying, “General Taoheed Lagbaja’s steadfastness, strength, and commitment to safeguarding Nigeria were remarkably emulable. Throughout his service years, he demonstrated unwavering courage and a profound commitment to the peace and security of our land. His legacies will forever be ingrained in our history.” Babayemi urged the military to honour Lagbaja’s memory by “striving for the unity, peace, and progress he devoted his life to,” adding, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and the entire Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time.”
In Taraba State, Governor Agbu Kefas also mourned the loss of the COAS, calling it a personal tragedy. Through a statement by his special adviser on media and digital communication, Emmanuel Bello, Governor Kefas expressed grief, citing his close relationship with General Lagbaja.
“The demise of the COAS is a personal loss considering my relationship with him when he was alive. The death is unfortunate, especially now that the military expertise of General Lagbaja is mostly needed,” Kefas said.
Praising Lagbaja’s dedication, Kefas remarked, “The late COAS was a dedicated worker who gave himself to the duty at hand. He remains a model of discipline, honesty, and transparency. The Late COAS was an encyclopaedia of military knowledge. Within a short time, General Lagbaja was able to strengthen professionalism in the operation of the military.”
Governor Kefas extended his condolences to the bereaved family, the military, and the nation as a whole, recalling the profound impact of General Lagbaja’s service and the irreplaceable void his death leaves behind.
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