Governor Adeleke Expresses Sorrow Over the Passing of Chief Of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke expressed deep sorrow on Wednesday over the passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, describing his death as a “huge misfortune” for Osun State, the Nigerian Army, and the nation. In a statement, Adeleke extended his condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the Lagbaja family of Ilobu, and the people of Osun State, honoring Lagbaja’s legacy as a devoted soldier and visionary leader.

Governor Adeleke paid tribute to Lagbaja’s commitment to modernizing the Nigerian Army, noting that the late general held an ambitious vision for reforming military operations and enhancing professionalism. “Our late brother held a significant vision of operational reforms for the Nigerian Army,” Adeleke stated. He highlighted Lagbaja’s efforts to combat terrorism and banditry during his tenure, commending his dedication to making the military a unifying force in Nigeria.

Reflecting on his last encounter with Lagbaja, Adeleke spoke of the general’s aspirations for a stable and prosperous Nigeria, with the military playing a crucial role in maintaining unity and security. “In the late General Lagbaja, we had a great military leader with the poise, confidence, and firmness to realize the vision of a new Nigerian Army,” he said.

Governor Adeleke extended his sympathies to the Nigerian Armed Forces, the people of Ilobu, and the Lagbaja family, especially to Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja and the general’s two children. He described the loss as a shared grief, noting that Osun State stands in solidarity with the family and all who mourn Lagbaja’s untimely passing. “We mourn together on this sad occasion,” he stated, acknowledging the profound impact Lagbaja made during his service.