Olobu of Ilobu Calls for Immortalization of Late General Taoreed Lagbaja
By Bola Bamigbola
The Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, recently shared his thoughts on the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the former Chief of Army Staff, who hailed from Ilobu. In an exclusive interview with Bola Bamigbola, the monarch reflected on Lagbaja’s legacy and the loss to the community.
How do you remember the late General Taoreed Lagbaja?
We thank God for the life that General Lagbaja lived. It is with deep gratitude that we reflect on his contributions to Ilobu and to Nigeria as a whole. Although his life was cut short, we pray for his soul’s peace and forgiveness for any shortcomings. His service to Ilobu will never be forgotten.
How has his death affected you personally?
His passing is a great sorrow. No parent expects to bury their child, and to lose Lagbaja, who was like a son to me, is a pain beyond words. He made us all proud, not just in Ilobu, but on a global scale. His dedication to his town and his people was extraordinary. This loss is deeply personal for me, but we take solace in knowing that God loved him even more, and we must find strength in His will.
What message do you have for the Federal Government regarding his death?
I call on President Tinubu, may God bless him with health and longevity, to remember Ilobu in this time of grief. We appeal for his support in the development of our town, particularly in continuing the legacy of General Lagbaja.
I urge the President to honor the late General by immortalizing him. We must not allow his efforts to be forgotten. Ilobu has lost a great son, and it would be fitting for the Federal Government to recognize his immense contributions, especially in the areas of security and national unity.
I hope the President will take steps to ensure that the unfinished work of General Lagbaja is completed, and his memory is preserved for future generations.
While his passing is a painful loss, the best tribute we can offer is to honor his legacy and carry forward his invaluable contributions to our nation.
