Ilobu suspends 2024 Ilobu Day celebration in mourning of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

The sudden passing of Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, has left the residents of Ilobu, his hometown in Osun State, in deep mourning.

In response to the tragic loss, the Ilobu community has announced the suspension of the 2024 Ilobu Day celebration, originally scheduled to take place in honor of the community’s heritage and achievements.

General Lagbaja, a distinguished military leader and son of Ilobu, passed away unexpectedly, sending shockwaves through his hometown and the nation. His death has left a void not only in the Nigerian Army but also in the hearts of the people of Ilobu, where he was a source of pride and inspiration.

The Ilobu-Asake Development Union (IDU), the umbrella organization for the people of Ilobu, issued a statement expressing profound sorrow.

Pastor Olufemi Salako, the IDU National President, noted that the loss of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja came at a time when his leadership and service were desperately needed for the development of the Ilobu community, Osun State, and the country as a whole.

“The death of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja is devastating for all of us. He left behind a legacy of service, gallantry, diligence, and an unwavering commitment to Nigeria,” Salako said, offering condolences to the general’s family and the Nigerian Army.

In light of the loss, the IDU decided to suspend the planned Ilobu Day celebrations, with a promise to reschedule the event at a later time when the community can fully honor the memory of their beloved son. The Ilobu Day celebration, which is a significant annual event for the community, has now been put on hold out of respect for General Lagbaja’s passing.

In the same vein, Former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and former lawmaker Hon. Kamil Oyedele, also expressed their grief over the loss.

Oyinlola, a retired General in the Nigerian Army, described Lagbaja’s death as a “monumental loss” to Nigeria and the military, while Oyedele reflected on the general’s integrity, character, and the impact he had on the Nigerian Army.

Salako further called on Nigerians to remember General Lagbaja’s immediate family, the Ilobu community, and the Nigerian Army in their prayers during this challenging period.