A delegation from the Nigerian Army led by Major General Kamal Yusuf announced on Tuesday that President Bola Tinubu has directed a state burial for the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
The announcement was made during a condolence visit to the Olobu of Ilobu Oba Ashiru Olaniyan at his palace in Osun State.
Yusuf, a classmate of Lagbaja at the Nigerian Defence Academy, shared memories of their early days, recalling how they travelled together by train from Osogbo to Kaduna to begin their military careers.
He described Lagbaja as a dedicated officer who led from the front, highlighting how his commitment to duty earned him steady promotions, ultimately leading to his role as Chief of Army Staff.
“Our visit here is to express our condolences and inform you of the burial plans. President Tinubu has directed that Lieutenant General Lagbaja be given a state burial, which means he will be laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, where national heroes are honoured,” Yusuf said.
Presenting a condolence letter from the Nigerian Army to Oba Olaniyan, Yusuf expressed hope that such tragic events would not recur.
“Lagbaja was a gallant and pragmatic officer, a true combatant, which is why President Tinubu trusted him with the role of Chief of Army Staff,” he said.
Earlier, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke welcomed the army delegation at the Osun Government Secretariat in Abere.
Praising Tinubu’s decision for a state burial, Adeleke described Lagbaja as “a bright star of Osun and Nigeria dimmed too early.”
He commended the army’s assurance that it would complete community projects initiated by the late general in Ilobu, Ifon, and Erin Osun.