The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola on Thursday appointed high powered delegation to condole with people of Ilobu over the demise of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoheed Lagbaja.
The state chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal and the former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Timothy Owoeye led the delegation to the palace of Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan.
Lawal, who spoke on behalf of the Minister and Osun APC, described Lagbaja’s death as monumental lost to Osun, in particular, and Nigeria, at large, adding that the general died at the most critical time that Nigeria needed him.
He described the deceased as a good ambassador of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, who demonstrated, within the short period he served as Chief of Army Staff, exemplary leadership in the fight against terrorism and in the protection of Nigeria territorial integrity.
Also speaking, Hon Owoeye said the Nigeria army and Osun State had lost a patriot and loyal military general that dedicated his life to the service of the nation, praying to God to console the people of Ilobu and Osun State in general.
Owoeye said, “We are here to represent the Hon Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and Leader of our party in the state to console the people of Ilobu about the unfortunate death of the illustrious son, late General Tahoeed Lagbaja. He is a pride to Nigeria and most especially Osun state. He diligently served Nigeria as a loyal and committed military general with outstanding performance within the short time but God knows everything. On behalf of the Minister, we symphathise with the Olobu of Ilobu and the people of this ancient town for the great lost.”
The Olobu of Ilobu, in his reaction, stated that the death of Lagbaja was a big blow to him and the entire town.
According to him, the untimely death of the army general was one of the worst incidents he had ever experienced on the throne in the last 50 years, adding that the shock was too huge for him to swallow.
Oba Ashiru appreciated Oyetola for identifying with the community during the turbulent period and called on Federal Government of Nigeria to immortalize the late army chief for his heroic services to the nation.
Kabiyesi explained, “I read the condolence statement of the Minister yesterday and also listened to radio this morning when they reported his message to Ilobu community, and to cap it all, he sent this high powered delegation to visit us today. We profoundly acknowledge this gesture and pray to God to always protect him and his subjects including those of you supporting him. We are seriously bereaved. What happened yesterday 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, yesterday 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,” the monarch interceded.
Other members of the delegation include the state Treasurer of APC Hon Femi Kujenbola; State Legal Adviser, Hon Goke Ogundola; former members of the State House of Assembly, Hon Kamil Oyedele and Hon Nasiru Olateju; former Special Adviser to Oyetola on Environment, Hon Rufus Oyegbile; former Senior Special Assistant on Students Affairs and Social Mobilisation, Comrade Kehinde Ayantunji, State APC Deputy Youth Leader, Hon Wasiu Ayinde, among others.
