Traditionalists in Osun State have attributed the death of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, to unnatural causes, calling for spiritual intervention to seek vengeance on those they believe may have been involved.
Lagbaja’s passing has cast a shadow of mourning over his hometown, Ilobu, in Osun’s Irepodun local government area, with community members urging a spiritual investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Awopegba Ifagbemi, a respected traditionalist in Ilobu, spoke to Sunday Tribune about the community’s sorrow. He revealed that local spiritual leaders have already convened to discuss conducting rites aimed at seeking justice and potential vengeance for Lagbaja.
Ifagbemi also urged the Federal Government to release Lagbaja’s body to the family for essential spiritual rites, though he refrained from detailing these specific practices.
Alhaji Dauda Taofeek, another prominent community figure, echoed these calls, deeming Lagbaja’s death an irreplaceable loss for both the community and the nation. He insisted that any wrongdoers linked to Lagbaja’s passing must face consequences.
As a mark of respect, businesses owned by Lagbaja in Osun, including a shopping complex in Osogbo, were closed on Friday. Community members and business owners observed this as a tribute to the fallen leader.
The Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, expressed profound grief, calling Lagbaja’s passing a “generational disaster” for the town and praising his dedication to local development. “Since my ascension to the throne, Wednesday remains one of the worst days for this community,” he said, praying for divine strength for Lagbaja’s family and community.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke also visited the family to pay respects, accompanied by Commissioner for Federal Affairs Nike Adeleke. He expressed the state’s support and signed a condolence register, honoring Lagbaja as a “dedicated son of Nigeria and Osun State.”
As Ilobu mourns Lagbaja, calls for a comprehensive investigation continue, with traditionalists and community leaders urging the government to deliver justice in memory of the late army chief.
