Kehinde Fajobi
A delegation from the Nigerian Army, led by Major General Kamal Yusuf, announced on Tuesday that President Bola Tinubu has directed a state burial for the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
The announcement came during a condolence visit to the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, at his palace in Osun State.
Major General Yusuf, who was a classmate of the late Lagbaja at the Nigerian Defence Academy, shared memories of their early days, recalling how they began their military journey together by travelling from Osogbo to Kaduna by train.
Yusuf described Lagbaja as “a dedicated officer who led from the front,” attributing Lagbaja’s steady career advancements to his commitment to duty, which eventually led him to the role of Chief of Army Staff.
“Our visit here is to express our condolences and inform you of the burial plans,” Yusuf said.
“President Tinubu has directed that Lieutenant General Lagbaja be given a state burial, which means he will be laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, where national heroes are honoured.”
He further mentioned that arrangements had been made to ensure that family members wishing to attend the burial would be accommodated.
Presenting a condolence letter from the Nigerian Army to Oba Olaniyan, Yusuf expressed hopes that such tragic losses would not occur again.
“Lagbaja was a gallant and pragmatic officer, a true combatant, which is why President Tinubu trusted him with the role of Chief of Army Staff,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke welcomed the Army delegation at the Osun Government Secretariat in Abere.
Commending the decision for a state burial, Adeleke described Lagbaja as “a bright star of Osun and Nigeria dimmed too early.”
He praised the Army’s assurance that community projects initiated by the late General in Ilobu, Ifon, and Erin Osun would be completed.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke expressed gratitude, saying, “I thank Mr. President for approving a state burial for our late brother. We also appreciate the Army’s commitment to completing the community projects initiated by General Lagbaja. We will continue to support these efforts.”