Some traditionalists in Osun State assert that the death of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, was not of natural causes.
In his hometown of Ilobu, located in the Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State, spiritualists claim that the spirit of the deceased Army chief can be invoked for vengeance against those responsible for his untimely passing.
According to a report by Tribune, traditionalist Awopegba Ifagbemi stated that the community is still mourning Lagbaja’s loss, urging the Federal Government to release his body so they can perform necessary spiritual rites.
Awopegba revealed that local traditionalists have already convened to discuss the planned rites but declined to elaborate on the specifics.
Echoing this sentiment, community leader Alhaji Dauda Taofeek insisted that Lagbaja’s death was not a natural occurrence and that those behind it would not escape justice. He emphasized that Lagbaja’s passing is a significant loss for the community, the state, and the nation as a whole.
Meanwhile, reports indicate that several business complexes owned by the late military officer have been shut down. One such complex, a shopping center in the Aregbe area of Osogbo, the state capital, has been deserted since Friday.
The newspaper said that when the shopping complex was visited, it was completely empty, with tenants locking their shops and nearby business owners avoiding the area to honor the departed soldier.
Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, the traditional ruler of Lagbaja’s hometown, described the general’s death as a generational tragedy for the entire community. He urged the Federal Government to release the body of the late soldier for burial in his hometown.
“We are seriously bereaved. What happened was a generational disaster to us as a people.
“He left us when we were rejoicing that God had answered our prayer. Since my ascension to the throne in the last 50 years, Wednesday remains one of the worst days for this community.
“He loved this community and was passionate about the development of this town, but what has happened reflects the supremacy of God. We prayed, we fasted, but his death is the wish of God.
“It is only God that can console us. No amount of condolences can pacify us. As a community, we know what we have lost. I only pray to God to stand by his family and hold the community for me. We don’t want this any longer in Ilobu and I know that God has answered our prayer,” he said.
Meanwhile, Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, at the weekend paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Lagbaja, pledging state support for the family.
In his entourage, according to the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, was the Commissioner for Federal Affairs, Nike Adeleke. They were received by the widow of the deceased, Mrs Mariya Lagbaja, and senior army officers.
According to the statement, “the governor signed the condolence register, paying glowing tribute to the deceased, whom he described as ‘a great son of Nigeria and Osun State.’
“A prayer session was held with the governor pledging full state support for the burial programme and continued support for the family thereafter.”
