Family Head Regrets Enrolling Late COAS Lagbaja in NDA, Reflects on Tragic Loss

Pa Tajudeen Lagbaja, family head of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, has expressed deep regret over his decision to secure a Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) enrollment form for his nephew years ago. Reflecting on the loss, he shared that he would not have pursued the military path for Taoreed if he had foreseen the tragedy. “If I had known he would die before me, I would not have done so,” he said solemnly, calling it a painful twist of fate.

The family mourns Lagbaja’s passing as a devastating blow, with Pa Tajudeen describing him as a compassionate figure who made lasting contributions to their hometown, Ilobu in Osun State. “He constructed a borehole in his father’s compound and other parts of the community. We are deeply bereaved. Despite the sorrow, I give thanks to God,” he added.

Additionally, Madam Toyin, another family member, voiced suspicions of foul play, suggesting Lagbaja’s death could be tied to an unresolved land dispute in Ilobu. “Lagbaja was killed diabolically because of a land dispute in the community,” she claimed. The dispute reportedly involved a hospital project that the Nigerian Army planned for the area in 2023.

The death of Lt. General Lagbaja was officially announced by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who reported that the General passed away in Lagos following an illness.