Senior officers from the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja visited the hometown of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, yesterday to offer their condolences.
The delegation, which included seven Generals, was led by Kamar Ishola Yusuf, alongside other senior Army officials. They visited Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and then proceeded to Ilobu, the hometown of the late COAS, located in the Irepodun Local Government Area. The delegation was warmly received by the local monarch, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, in a somber atmosphere.
The delegation also visited the compound of the Lagbaja family where they expressed deep condolence to the bereaved members.
At the palace of the Olobu, General Yusuf expressed Army Headquarters’ sadness over the death of Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja, saying he was Nigeria’s star dimmed too early.
General Yusuf told Adeleke that he brought a condolence letter from the military leadership and informed the state leadership of the burial plan for the late COAS.
He said: “Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja led from the front and was courageous. In every division he served, he left indelible achievements. They are there for everyone to see. This led to his appointment as the COAS. He merited the COAS without political influence.”
The military delegation assured the governor that its leadership would complete all four community projects the deceased started.
Governor Adeleke and his deputy, Kola Adewusi, led other state functionaries, including the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Kazeem Akinleye, and other members of the State Executive Council (Exco) to host the military delegation.
At the Olobu’s palace, Adeleke hailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving a state burial for Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja describes the plan as fitting.
The governor said: “I thank Mr. President for approving state burial for our late brother. We also appreciate the message from the Army representatives that ongoing community projects initiated by General Lagbaja at Ilobu, Ifon, and Erin Osun would be completed. We will follow up on this.
“Anytime we spoke, the late General always called for peace among his people. His message, even at the point of death, is that the people of Ilobu and Ifon should live in peace and unity.
Let us honor the memory of our late brother and maintain peace. We cannot afford any bloodshed again. It is time to see each other as one and push for common development of our local government and state.”
Oba Olaniyan and Governor Adeleke pleaded with community leaders to ensure the sustenance of peace as a mark of honor for the late Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja.
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