Pa Tajudeen Lagbaja, the family head of Nigeria’s late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, recently expressed regret for helping him join the military.
At a family gathering in Ilobu, Osun State, he recalled encouraging his nephew’s military path by obtaining the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) form, a decision he now questions due to the unexpected loss. Pa Lagbaja described the COAS as a pillar of their community, responsible for constructing boreholes and other amenities in Ilobu. He also addressed suspicions within the family, including concerns over a land dispute involving the Nigerian Army.
The family’s mourning has been deepened by the late COAS’s notable contributions and unfulfilled promises. Pa Lagbaja, who saw his nephew as a son, admitted that, had he foreseen his nephew’s passing, he would not have steered him towards a military career.
Family members have suggested that Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s death may have been influenced by diabolical factors, given the ongoing dispute over land where the Nigerian Army plans to build a hospital. Although the loss weighs heavily on them, Pa Lagbaja has accepted the outcome as fate, finding comfort in his nephew’s enduring legacy and impact on the community.
The late Lt. General Lagbaja’s life and career left a profound mark on his family and community, especially given his dedication to local development. His efforts to uplift Ilobu through infrastructure projects, like borehole installations, addressed essential needs and won him respect. In his absence, the family is grappling with both their grief and the impact of the land dispute tied to military interests. Pa Lagbaja expressed that, despite their sorrow, they hold on to the hope that the late COAS’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
