‘Osun lost a rare breed’ — Adeleke mourns Taoreed Lagbaja

Ademola Adeleke, governor of Osun state, has mourned the passing of Taoreed Lagbaja, the chief of army staff (COAS).

Lagbaja died on Tuesday after battling an undisclosed ailment.

In a statement on Wednesday, Adeleke described the late COAS as “a rare breed, gentleman, and a true patriot”, saying his demise is “a huge misfortune”.

The governor sympathised with President Bola Tinubu, members of the armed forces, the people of Ilobu in Osun, and Lagbaja’s family.

“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 hands of death,” Adeleke said. 

“Our late brother had a big vision for operational reforms within the Nigerian Army. He initiated and implemented a root-and-branch reform of the Nigerian Army.

“Within his stint in office, he enforced professionalism and battled terrorists and bandits with fierce determination.

“He was a hardworking officer, a true workaholic, a fierce soldier, and a traditional army officer with an ambitious plan for modernising and integrating the Nigerian Army.

“In my last encounter with him, he exuded hope and aspirations for a better Nigeria, envisioning the military as a stabiliser and unifier of the federation.

“In the late General Lagbaja, we had a great military leader with poise, confidence, and the firmness to realise the vision of a new Nigerian Army.

“Unfortunately, the end came suddenly. We surrender to the will of the Almighty Creator.

“We mourn together on this sad occasion. On behalf of the people and Government of Osun State, we extend our condolences to Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja and their two children.”

Hyacinth Alia, governor of Benue, also expressed “deep sadness” over Lagbaja’s death.

In a statement signed by Tersoo Kula, his chief press secretary, Alia described the late COAS “as someone who played key roles in ensuring internal security in the country”.

“Lagbaja developed a keen interest in the security situation in Benue state, and had worked assiduously with the administration of President Bola Tinubu to ensure that peace returned in the state,” the statement reads.

“He prays to God to give his immediate family, the Nigerian Armed Forces and the whole country, the fortitude to bear this great loss.”