Traditional leaders in Osun State have raised concerns over the death of the former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, suggesting that his passing may not have been from natural causes.
Spiritual leaders from his hometown, Ilobu in Irepodun Local Government Area, have announced their plans to invoke the spirit of the late General in order to seek justice for those they believe are responsible for his sudden death.
Awopegba Ifagbemi, a prominent traditionalist from the area, told the Sunday Tribune that the community was still in mourning. He called on the Federal Government to release Lagbaja’s body so that the necessary spiritual rites could be carried out.
While confirming that local traditionalists have already met to discuss these rituals, Ifagbemi did not provide further details on what would be done.
Alhaji Dauda Taofeek, a respected community leader, also expressed his belief that Lagbaja’s death was unnatural. He vowed that those behind it would face consequences. He highlighted how deeply the General’s passing has affected not just the community but also Osun State and Nigeria as a whole.
Following the news of his death, several businesses owned by the late General have been closed. For instance, a shopping complex in the Aregbe area of Osogbo, the state capital, has been shut down since Friday. When visited, the complex was empty, with many shops locked in tribute to the late military leader.
The Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, described Lagbaja’s death as a “generational disaster.” He appealed to the Federal Government to release the body for a proper burial in Ilobu. “We are deeply bereaved. This tragedy is unprecedented. It came at a time when we were celebrating his accomplishments,” said Oba Olaniyan. He added, “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 visited the Lagbaja family over the weekend, accompanied by the Commissioner for Federal Affairs, Nike Adeleke. The governor’s delegation was received 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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