The Ilobu community in Osun State is mourning the death of their beloved son, Lt.-Gen. Taoheed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, who passed away on Tuesday night.

In the wake of his death, the Olobu of Ilobu Land, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, has made a heartfelt plea to the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to allow the late general to be laid to rest in his hometown, Ilobu, rather than in Abuja.

The traditional ruler, visibly grief-stricken, expressed that it would be a great honor for Lagbaja to return to his ancestral land for his final rites. The community, which had been preparing for its annual “Ilobu Day” celebration, is now enveloped in sadness, as the news of Lagbaja’s passing came as a devastating shock.

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Oba Olaniyan conveyed that the people of Ilobu were praying for Lagbaja’s recovery after hearing of his health challenges, but his untimely death left the town in mourning. He described Lagbaja as a hero not only to Ilobu but also to the entire Yoruba people.

In a show of respect, the Ilobu-Asake Development Union suspended the Ilobu Day festivities and called for the deceased’s body to be brought home.

Tajudeen Lagbaja, the general’s relative, echoed the call, describing the loss as a personal blow to the entire family. Despite the grief, the family sought solace in the belief that Lagbaja’s death was God’s will, though they still fervently hoped for his burial in Ilobu.

The Chief of Army Staff, born on February 28, 1968, passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos. He was appointed to his position by President Bola Tinubu on June 19, 2023.

The community remains in profound sorrow as they await the government’s response to their heartfelt request.

Credible News.ng