In Osun State, traditional spiritual leaders have raised suspicions surrounding the recent death of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, with many claiming his passing was unnatural and demanding justice on his behalf.
Spiritual leaders from Ilobu, his hometown in Irepodun Local Government Area, are now calling on the Federal Government to release the late General’s body to allow for traditional rites they believe essential to ensuring justice and peace for his spirit.
Awopegba Ifagbemi, a prominent traditionalist from Ilobu, told the Sunday Tribune that the community is still reeling from the loss of their distinguished native son. Ifagbemi expressed his commitment to performing the required spiritual rites, though he declined to elaborate on the specifics.
“The town is still in mourning,” he shared. “We need his body released so that we can invoke his spirit and perform necessary rites to seek justice for what we believe was an untimely death.”
Community leader Alhaji Dauda Taofeek echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the belief that Lagbaja’s passing was suspicious. Taofeek voiced confidence that those responsible for the tragedy would eventually be held accountable, either through spiritual or legal means.
“This loss has impacted Ilobu, Osun State, and Nigeria deeply,” he stated, stressing the magnitude of the tragedy and the outpouring of grief within the community.
Adding to the solemnity, several businesses connected to the late General have reportedly shut down since his passing, including a prominent shopping complex in the Aregbe area of Osogbo, Osun State’s capital. When reporters from Sunday Tribune visited the site, they found it empty, with its shops locked as a tribute to Lagbaja’s memory.
Meanwhile, the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, called Lagbaja’s death “a generational disaster,” expressing the community’s collective sorrow. Urging the federal authorities to release Lagbaja’s body so he may be laid to rest in Ilobu, the Olobu emphasized the profound significance of the loss for the town. “Since I assumed the throne over 50 years ago, last Wednesday was one of the darkest days for our community,” he lamented.
He continued by recalling Lagbaja’s dedication to Ilobu’s growth and development, lauding his many accomplishments and leadership. “We prayed and fasted for his recovery, but it was God’s will. Only divine intervention can console us now,” said Oba Olaniyan, offering prayers for strength for Lagbaja’s family and the Ilobu community.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke also extended his condolences over the weekend, visiting Lagbaja’s family along with his delegation, which included the state’s Commissioner for Federal Affairs, Nike Adeleke.
Governor Adeleke met with Mariya Lagbaja, the widow of the late General, and senior military officials in attendance, signing the condolence register to honor the late officer’s legacy. He described General Lagbaja as “a distinguished son of Nigeria and Osun State” and paid tribute to his dedication and service to the nation.
As Ilobu and the larger Osun State community continue to mourn the loss of Lt. General Lagbaja, traditional leaders and family members are resolute in their calls for clarity and justice. The ongoing demand for the release of his body underscores the deeply rooted cultural and spiritual beliefs surrounding the death of such a prominent figure.
For now, the town of Ilobu awaits further action from the authorities, hopeful that their calls for justice will be met and that General Lagbaja will be laid to rest according to his people’s traditions.
