Death Of COAS: Osun Declares Three Days Of Mourning

By Ayodele Oni

Mourning one of its prominent indigenes,  Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has declared a three-day mourning period for the late Chief of Army Staff, (CAOS) Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja.

The State Government also directed that flags be flown at half-mast during this period.

This is just as the traditional ruler of the deceased community, Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olaniyan, appealed to the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government to allow the community to bury the late Chief of Army Staff,  in the community.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, disclosed that condolence registers have been opened at the Government House and the Governor’s Office for messages from the people of Osun.

According to the Commissioner, the death of the late COAS is a devastating and colossal loss to humanity and the nation, adding, “We cannot forget him.”

The government expressed sorrow at this irreparable loss of one of Osun State’s esteemed sons, extending condolences to the Lagbaja family of Ilobu, the Olobu of Ilobu, and the entire community.

The mourning period begins Thursday, 7th November 2024, and ends on Saturday, 9th November. The condolence register allows people to share their memories of him, preserving the legacy of the late COAS, who passed on Monday.

Oba Olaniyan said it would be a great honour if the Army would grant the community’s request to bury the deceased in his ancestral home.

He said that the town was planning its annual “Ilobu 2024 Day” on Saturday, before the sad news of Lagbaja’s death filtered in.

Accordibg to him, in the last couple of weeks, the town had engaged in prayers for Lagbaja to get well, having learned of his health challenges.

“We were high in hope and confident about his quick recovery. Waking up this morning to the news of his death was a rude shock to the entire community.

“We are downcast and in sorrow.

He is not just the son of the soil, but one of the shining stars of the entire Yoruba race. If you go round the community, you will see a community that is in deep sorrow.

“Ilobu is a very happy town, but this morning, the sun suddenly snatched away from our sky.”