Lagbaja’s family head laments: ‘Our son’s life outside the Military was taken from us’

By Ibukun Emiola

The Head of the Lagbaja Family of Ilobu Kingdom, Mr Demola Lagbaja, has expressed deep regret that the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoheed Lagbaja, did not get the chance to enjoy life outside of military service.

Lagbaja shared his sentiments on Monday while receiving members of the St. Charles Grammar School, Osogbo Old Boys Association, who visited the Lagbaja family home in Ibadan to offer condolences.

The family head said they had hoped the late General would retire after his service and enjoy the fruits of his labour. However, he acknowledged that the family has now submitted to the will of God, though some losses, he said, leave “tears that will never dry.”

“Our wish for him was to enjoy life beyond his military years, but that dream has been taken from us. We are, however, immensely proud of him and all he achieved,” Mr Lagbaja remarked.

“All we can do now is pray for his peaceful rest.”

Lagbaja expressed gratitude to the association for their visit, noting that the deceased had been widely celebrated since his passing.

Earlier, the delegation, led by the Chairman of the school’s Board of Trustees, Mr Sola Omopo, presented a condolence letter on behalf of the Ibadan branch of the association. Omopo praised the late General as a dedicated and supportive alumnus.

“He was spearheading a major project for the school, valued at around N550 million and now nearly 80% complete,” Omopo noted. “His death shocked us all, both in Nigeria and among our members abroad, which is why we felt compelled to visit and pay our respects.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late Lt. Gen. Taoheed Lagbaja died on Nov. 5.