The head of the Lagbaja family of Ilobu Kingdom, Mr. Demola Lagbaja, expressed sorrow that the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoheed Lagbaja, did not have the opportunity to enjoy life outside of his dedicated military service.
Mr. Lagbaja shared these sentiments on Monday while welcoming representatives of the St. Charles Grammar School, Osogbo, Old Boys Association, who came to the family home in Ibadan to pay their respects.
The family’s hope, according to Mr. Lagbaja, was that their son would eventually retire and have time to enjoy the fruits of his labor. “That was our wish, which never came to pass,” he reflected. “What happened has happened, and we must submit to the will of God, but we are very proud of our son, for he made us proud. All we can wish him now is to rest in peace.” He added that “some tears will never dry,” hinting at the family’s lasting grief.
Mr. Lagbaja noted that Lt. Gen. Lagbaja dedicated his life to the military, having pursued his studies up to the A-level at the Polytechnic before committing to the armed forces.
In his address, he thanked the association for their visit and mentioned that since his passing, the family has received many warm messages, attesting to the late General’s character and accomplishments.
Earlier, the chairman of the Board of Trustees of St. Charles Grammar School, Mr. Sola Omopo, presented a condolence letter to the family on behalf of the school’s Ibadan branch. Mr. Omopo praised the late General, acknowledging his dedication to the school, including his commitment to an ongoing, N550 million building project that was nearing completion at the time of his death.
“When we heard the news, it was a shock to all of us, both in Nigeria and abroad,” Mr. Omopo said, explaining the association’s decision to visit the family.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Lt. Gen. Taoheed Lagbaja, former Chief of Army Staff, passed away on November 5.
