Former Osun Governor Oyinlola mourns the loss of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Lagbaja, calling his passing a monumental loss to the nation.
Former Osun State Governor and retired General of the Nigerian Army, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has expressed heartfelt condolences to the family, colleagues, and fellow military officers of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
Lt. General Lagbaja’s passing, described by Oyinlola as a “monumental loss,” has left a profound impact on Nigeria and the Nigerian military.
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In his message, Oyinlola, who shares a military background with the late General, commiserated with President Bola Tinubu, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, other service chiefs, and all members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Extending his sympathies to the Osun State Governor, Mr. Ademola Adeleke, Oyinlola reflected on the loss felt by the people of Osun, particularly in General Lagbaja’s hometown, Ilobu.
“General Lagbaja was an example of what true gallantry means,” Oyinlola said. He praised Lagbaja’s leadership of the Nigerian Army, noting his dedication to preserving the military’s reputation as a competent fighting force.
Despite his relatively short tenure as Chief of Army Staff, Lagbaja demonstrated the finest qualities of military leadership, said Oyinlola, embodying a commitment to both service and respect for his elders.
Addressing the deep sorrow caused by the sudden loss, Oyinlola spoke of the enduring challenge of accepting the premature passing of such a promising leader.
“When a young man dies like this, the temptation is to ask why,” he reflected. “But who are we to question God? He gives and He takes at His own appointed time.
” Oyinlola concluded his message by honouring the late General’s legacy, saying, “He came, played his part well, and left in a blaze of glory. May his gallant soul rest in perfect peace.”
The passing of Lt. General Lagbaja has indeed left a void in the Nigerian military and the hearts of those he served.
His dedication, loyalty, and bravery will be remembered as an inspiration to future generations of officers and Nigerians at large.
