The Governor of Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde, has mourned the passing of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, describing him as a devoted patriot.
News About Nigeria reports that the COAS death had been announced by President Bola Tinubu in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday.
The statement had disclosed that Lagbaja passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.
The illness and it’s nature, was however, not made known to the public.
Makinde, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, and released on Wednesday, condoled with the family of the late Army Chief, stressing that he is one of the finest military officers produced by the country.
He also expressed his condolences to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Senator Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Army.
He equally commiserated with the Government and people of Osun State on the demise of their illustrious son, praying to Allah to grant repose to his soul.
Lagbaja, who died at 56, served as the Chief of Army Staff for one year and four months following his appointment to the position by President Tinubu in June 2023.
His military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.
Lagbaja was also an exceptional leader who was committed to his duties as to advancing the Army under his leadership.
