TRIBUTE FOR LIEUTENANT GENERAL TAOREED ABIODUN LAGBAJA BY GOVERNOR ADEMOLA ADELEKE

This is a painful moment for me as I never imagined I would be standing here to acknowledge the fact that my good brother, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, is truly gone. Since last Wednesday when his demise was announced, the whole of Osun has been deeply hurt because the passing of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja is too colossal for us as a people to bear.

I remember I had the pleasure of meeting many people from Ilobu during our several campaign tours to the ancient town, and the life-changing impact Lt. Gen. Lagbaja had on them is unquantifiable. And I came to have a feel of the incredible man that Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was, shortly after he assumed the prestigious office of Chief of Army Staff.

A kind, humble and generous to a fault. Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was the clearest indication that there is a reward in hardwork. Coming from a humble background, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja braved all odds, enduring challenging moments to make a mark. Lt. Gen. Lagbaja joined the Nigerian Army to make sure that many of us can sleep well at night, knowing that someone is risking his life to keep us safe.

On the road to the top, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja bled on the field to secure Nigerians, and at no time did he waver in his abiding faith in Nigeria. His life was a classical example of what devotion to one’s country should be like and a perfect guide for younger generations to follow.

I am particularly touched by the painful exit of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja not just because he is one of our shining stars in Osun state, but for his effort at peace-building. At the heat of a communal crisis in Osun state last year, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was pivotal to resolving the crisis and restoring peace. No matter when I call him, he is always available and swiftly provides any support that will cause peace.

You know, as Governor, I was always excited by the incredible grace that Lt. Gen. Lagbaja serves for Osun people. As the Chief of Army Staff, he honours our dear state beyond what words can say, especially with the remarkable successes against insecurity that the Army recorded under his guidance. This is one more reason why our heart, from Osun state, is deeply heavy, because we lost one of our accomplished citizens.

Looking at him and what he accomplished, we would be reminded that it falls upon each of us to give hope to the hopeless and involve ourselves in what will foster peace and stability. Lt. Gen. Lagbaja lived a life of service, and more, put himself on the line to ensure the survival of all. And it now falls on us to sustain his legacy of contributions, so that young people in Osun and beyond, might leverage on it to make even more contributions to the state and Nigeria.

May God bless the memory of our beloved Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, granting him eternal rest in the great beyond. It is also my prayer that God comforts his family, associates and communities he left behind.

Adieu Lt. Gen. Lagbaja

HE, Senator Ademola Adeleke,
Executive Governor of Osun State.