Pa Tajudeen Lagbaja Speaks Out on the Death of His Son, Late COAS Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja
In a recent interview, Pa Tajudeen Lagbaja, the patriarch of the family of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, expressed deep regret over facilitating his son’s entry into the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).
He revealed that if he had known the military career would ultimately lead to such a tragic end, he would not have obtained the NDA form for his son.
Rumors have been circulating that Lt. Gen. Lagbaja’s death may have been influenced by dark forces, linked to a long-standing land dispute in his hometown of Ilobu, Osun State.
The dispute reportedly began in 2023 when a delegation from the Nigerian Army proposed establishing a hospital in the community.
In his emotional reflection on his son’s untimely death, Pa Tajudeen Lagbaja lamented, “If I had known his life would be cut short, I would not have obtained the NDA form for him.” He also expressed his deep sadness and sense of loss, saying, “Everyone who is born must die. We give glory to God. The year I obtained NDA form for him, if I had known that he would die before me, I would have not done so. I regret obtaining the form for him. But it is destiny.”
Prior to his death, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja had made significant contributions to his community, including constructing boreholes in his father’s compound and other areas. His family is still reeling from the shock of his loss, with Pa Tajudeen Lagbaja saying, “We can never forget him. His death is so shocking to us. I have accepted fate. All the promises he made to me have hit a brick wall. He always gave us hope in the family, despite the sorrow, I give thanks to God.”
Another family member, Madam Toyin, has also alleged that Lt. Gen. Lagbaja was killed due to the land dispute in the community.
