OSOGBO- 12/11/2024 – osunstate.gov.ng
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state has received high powered military delegation in preparation for the burial of late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, describing planned state burial for the deceased as right and fitting.
Receiving General Kamal Ishola Yusuf who led other seven serving Generals in his office, Governor Adeleke described the late Army Chief as a bright star of Osun and Nigeria that dimmed too early, noting that his service to the fatherland would never be forgotten.
The Governor commended the decision of President Bola Tinubu to grant the late army chief a state burial and he also applauded the declaration by the army delegation that all the four community projects started by the deceased would be completed.
“I thank Mr President for approving state burial for our late brother. We also appreciate the message from the army representative that ongoing community projects initiated by General Lagbaja at Ilobu, Ifon and Erin Osun would be completed. We will follow up on this”, the Governor pledged.
At the palace of Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, Governor Adeleke pleaded with community leaders to ensure sustainance of peace as a mark of honour for the transition of Lt. General Lagbaja.
“Anytime we speak, the late General always calls for peace among his people. His message even at death is that the people of Ilobu and Ifon should live in peace and unity.
“Let us honour the memory of our late brother and maintain peace. We cannot afford any bloodshed again. It is time to see each other as one and push for common development of our local government and state”, the Governor told the king and community leaders.
Earlier, the team leader, General Yusuf told the state Governor that he brought condolence letter from the military leadership to the Governor and also inform the state leadership of the burial plan for the late General.
He described late Lagbaja as a leader who lead from the front and who made huge impacts within his short term as Army Chief.
The Governor accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adwwusi; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Kazeem Akinleye and members of the State Executive Council later led the military team to the Lagbaja family where prayers were said for the repose of his soul.
Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed
Spokesperson to the State Governor.