Sunday, November 10, 2024 - Traditionalists in Osun State have raised concerns regarding the death of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, hinting that his passing may not have been due to natural causes.
Spiritual leaders from his hometown, Ilobu in Irepodun Local Government
Area, declared their intention to invoke the spirit of the late General to seek
justice against those they believe are responsible for his untimely passing.
Awopegba Ifagbemi, a well-known traditionalist in the area, shared with
the Sunday Tribune that the town remains in mourning.
He called on the Federal Government to release Lagbaja’s body to enable
them to perform the necessary spiritual rites.
While confirming that local traditionalists had convened to discuss the
required rituals, Ifagbemi refrained from providing specific details about
these rites.
Similarly, Alhaji Dauda Taofeek, a respected community leader, stated
emphatically that Lagbaja’s death was unnatural and vowed that those
responsible would face consequences.
He noted the profound impact of the General’s death on the community,
Osun State, and Nigeria at large.
Reports indicate that some of the business establishments owned by the
late officer have been closed since news of his death broke.
One notable example is a shopping complex in the Aregbe area of Osogbo,
the state capital, which had been shut down since Friday.
When Tribune visited, the complex was deserted, with many shops locked
in tribute to the late military leader.
The Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, called Lagbaja’s death
a “generational disaster.”
He urged the Federal Government to release the body for a proper burial
in his hometown.
“We are deeply bereaved. This tragedy is
unprecedented. It came at a time when we were celebrating his accomplishments,” said
Oba Olaniyan.
“Since I assumed the throne over 50 years ago, Wednesday was one of the
darkest days for our community. He was a devoted son of Ilobu and committed to
the town’s progress. We prayed and fasted, but ultimately, it is God’s will.
Only divine intervention can console us now. I pray that God strengthens his
family and supports our community during this time.”
Governor Ademola Adeleke also paid a condolence visit to Lagbaja’s
family over the weekend, accompanied by the Commissioner for Federal Affairs,
Nike Adeleke.
The governor’s delegation was welcomed by Mrs. Mariya Lagbaja, the widow
of the late General, and senior military officers.
During the visit, Governor Adeleke signed the condolence register and
praised the late General as “a distinguished son of Nigeria and Osun
State.”
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