Ilobu Mourns As Hometown Bids Farewell To Gen. Lagbaja

The normally vibrant air of Ilobu, a semi-urban community nestled in Osun State’s Irepodun Local Government Area, was thick with an unmistakable sadness on the day the news broke. Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, had passed away, and with him, the heart of his hometown seemed to have gone quiet.

As residents gathered in clusters across the town, their faces etched with disbelief and sorrow, the true depth of the loss began to sink in. The community, once buzzing with excitement in anticipation of its annual celebration, was now caught in the throes of mourning. At the Oyedele’a compound, the family home of the late COAS, the grief was palpable. Pa Tajudeen Lagbaja, the patriarch of the family, was seen sobbing uncontrollably, surrounded by women who struggled to comprehend that their beloved son, brother, and benefactor was gone.

In a community that had long held Lagbaja in high esteem, the loss was felt in every corner. The Ilobu-Asake Development Union (IDU), led by President Olufemi Salako, made an emotional announcement suspending the much-anticipated Ilobu Day 2024 celebrations indefinitely. The event, which had been scheduled to run from November 4 to 10, was to include a major fundraising initiative aimed at raising N200 million for development projects in the area—a project which Lagbaja was meant to lead alongside other prominent sons of Ilobu, including former Deputy Speaker, Lasun Yusuf.

Salako, speaking at Olobu’s palace, expressed shock and deep sorrow over the general’s passing. “His death has left a vacuum in the community,” he said. “At a time when his leadership and service were needed most for the development of Ilobu, Osun State, and Nigeria, he has been taken from us. We find solace in the legacy of dedication, gallantry, and commitment to Nigeria that he leaves behind.”

As Ilobu reeled from the sudden loss, the community’s leaders made a heartfelt plea to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Army. They called for the remains of the late COAS to be returned to Ilobu, his hometown, for burial. Pa Tajudeen Lagbaja, his voice breaking with emotion, said, “It feels as though a part of me has died with him. He was our benefactor, and we want him to rest here in Ilobu, beside his father, in the family compound where he grew up.”

The request was simple: to honour the man who had given so much to Nigeria by allowing him to be laid to rest in the land he loved. The Ilobu community, already mourning, now found itself united in grief, with all celebrations placed on hold. The immediate focus, said Salako, was on offering prayers for Lagbaja’s family, the Nigerian Army, and the entire nation. As the town of Ilobu mourns, the legacy of the late Chief of Army Staff will live on—not just in the monumental military contributions he made but in the hearts of the people who knew him best. His devotion to his community, his country, and his role in securing Nigeria’s future will forever remain a beacon for Ilobu and beyond.

Buhari mourns ‘patriot’ Lagbaja

Former President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed profound grief over the untimely passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS). In a statement issued by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, the former president described the late military leader as a “true patriot” and an “exemplary officer” whose service to the nation left an indelible mark.

Buhari’s tribute, which followed the official announcement of General Lagbaja’s death, conveyed the depth of his sorrow and the magnitude of the loss to Nigeria. The former president recalled the significant contributions of the late army chief, noting that he was “one of the finest soldiers” in the country’s military ranks.

“When I was the Commander-in-Chief, Lagbaja, as one of the commanders of the army, caught my attention as one of the bravest officers who served the nation with utmost devotion,” Buhari reflected. His admiration for the late General’s unwavering commitment to duty was clear as he went on to recount several key military operations that Lagbaja played a pivotal role in, which bolstered Nigeria’s internal security efforts.

Among these missions were Operation Zaki in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger states. “In these various frontlines of internal security operations, General Lagbaja left no one in doubt about his military capabilities,” Buhari remarked. “He left his indelible footprints as a professional soldier and inspiring commander wherever he served.”

The former president’s words emphasised the loss not only to the military but also to the broader Nigerian society. He extended his condolences to the late General’s family, the Nigerian Army, and to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who succeeded him as Commander-in-Chief. “I pray to the Almighty to repose his soul and reward his courageous services to the Nigerian Army and the nation,” Buhari added in his heartfelt message.

Condolences from Senate Leaders

The passing of Lt. General Lagbaja has reverberated across the political spectrum, with prominent figures in the Nigerian Senate expressing their condolences. Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, described the late army chief as a “fine officer” who dedicated his life to the security and unity of the nation. Akpabio was particularly shocked by the timing of Lagbaja’s death, coming just days after the late General had reportedly been in good spirits about his return to office.

“It is with deep sorrow that I mourn the passing of a fine, committed, and dedicated officer who served the country with all his might, even at the risk of paying the supreme price,” Akpabio said in a statement. “This loss is a huge blow to the country, especially at a time when we need his wealth of experience to combat insecurity.”

Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, also expressed his sorrow, praising Lagbaja for his distinguished military career and immense contributions to Nigeria’s security. Jibrin acknowledged the late COAS’s vital role in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping, which have plagued the country for years. He further extended his condolences to President Tinubu, the Nigerian Army, and the Lagbaja family.

Senator Abba Patrick Moro, the Senate Minority Leader, highlighted the late General’s commitment to the country and his active role in pushing back against Nigeria’s security challenges. Moro called for the late officer’s legacy to live on, noting that his successor must rise to the challenge and continue to safeguard Nigeria’s territorial integrity. “Lt. General Lagbaja’s time as Chief of Army Staff saw a great push against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping,” he said. “His death leaves a huge void in our national security efforts, but I trust that his successor will continue his legacy of courage and patriotism.”

Across Nigeria, leaders and citizens alike have been united in their grief at the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, whose dedication to the armed forces and to the nation was unparalleled. As Chief of Army Staff, Lagbaja led with distinction, overseeing several critical operations that enhanced the security apparatus of the nation. Under his leadership, the Nigerian Army made significant strides in improving operational capabilities, ensuring the safety of citizens and the protection of Nigeria’s borders. His tireless efforts and unwavering patriotism earned him the admiration of both his colleagues in the military and political leaders across the country.

The Senate Committee on Defence, along with other military bodies, has pledged to honour his memory, ensuring that the Nigerian Army remains a formidable force capable of defending the nation and maintaining its peace. “General Lagbaja’s legacy will continue to inspire and motivate our troops to carry on his exemplary work,” said Senator Ahmad Lawan, Chairman of the Senate Committee  on Defence.

Mbah pays tribute to a ‘gallant officer’

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, led the tributes, expressing profound grief over the death of the Chief of Army Staff. In a statement, Mbah described the late General Lagbaja as a “gallant and patriotic officer” who gave his all to the service of the nation. The Governor reflected on the late officer’s tenure as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, based in Enugu, from March 2021 to August 2022. “His passing is a grave loss, not just to the Nigerian Army and the entire nation, but also a personal loss to the government and people of Enugu State,” Governor Mbah stated. He acknowledged Lagbaja’s distinguished career, which spanned multiple roles, including his service at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College in Jaji and the United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUC). As Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Lagbaja’s contributions to Nigeria’s security challenges were immeasurable, Mbah added, noting the tremendous support Lagbaja provided to the administration’s efforts in combating insecurity. The Governor conveyed his deepest condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Army, and the family of the late General, praying for his soul to rest in peace.