The Omoluabi Progressives, a caucus backed by Ex-Miniter of Interior and former Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
Osun Defender had earlier reported that Lagbaja died on Tuesday evening after a period of illness at the age of 56.
In a statement released on Thursday, Alhaji Issa Adesiji Azeez, Chairman of the Omoluabi Progressives, described Lagbaja as a “fine gentleman officer” and “illustrious son of Osun.”
He noted that Lagbaja’s passing has left an “excruciating pain” felt across Osun, Yorubaland, and Nigeria as a whole, as he was lost in his prime, when his leadership and expertise were needed most.
The statement reads, “It is with a very deep pain that we mourn the demise of an illustrious son of our dear State Osun, Late Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who until the time of his death was the Chief of Army Staff for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“His death was an excruciating pain, which was felt in every corner of our heart in Osun, Yorubaland, and Nigeria as a whole. Lagbaja, was a fine gentle man officer, who attained a lofty height but passed away at his prime when his services was most needed. Since he became the Chief of Army Staff, he had been leading the security outfits in the country to combat the various criminalities that has been facing the country in the last few years.
“He played pivotal roles in numerous operations which include but not limited to Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States in ensuring internal security.
“These was no doubt a testament to his exceptional leadership ability which would have led us to higher ground in achieving stability and peace but for his untimely death.
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“We empathize with the wife; the children, the Olobu of Ilobu, the people of Ilobu, and the whole people of Osun over his demise. We pray God in His infinite Mercy accept the remains of Rt. Lt. Taoreed Lagbaja and elevate his station amongs those who are guided.”
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
