The Olobu of Ilobuland, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to immortalise the late former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, by establishing a military institution or strategic military facility in his hometown, Ilobu, Osun State.
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The monarch made the appeal on Thursday as Nigeria and the people of Ilobu-Asake marked the second anniversary of Lagbaja’s death.
In a statement issued by the monarch’s Chief Press Secretary, Obey Abdulbasit Adewale, Oba Olaniyan described the late general as an illustrious son of Ilobu whose distinguished military career and rise to the position of Chief of Army Staff brought honour and recognition to his community.
Lagbaja, who died on November 5, 2024, served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff and was remembered for his contributions to the Nigerian Armed Forces and national security.
The monarch said the late general’s achievements deserved more than annual commemorations and public tributes, arguing that a permanent national project in his honour would preserve his legacy and benefit future generations.
Specifically, Oba Olaniyan urged Tinubu, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to approve the establishment of a military facility in Ilobu as a lasting tribute to the late general.
He suggested that the proposed project could be a Nigerian Army training institution, a military vocational and skills acquisition centre, a military medical facility or another appropriate establishment to be determined by the Federal Government and the Nigerian Army.
The monarch also called on the Ministry of Defence, the Nigerian Army, the Osun State Government, indigenes of Ilobu and other stakeholders to support efforts to honour the late military officer.
In his tribute, Oba Olaniyan said Lagbaja’s emergence as Chief of Army Staff remained a significant source of pride for the community, stressing that his service to Nigeria should continue to inspire younger generations.
He said, “General Lagbaja was one of our own. He came from Ilobu, served Nigeria with distinction, and rose to become the Chief of Army Staff. His journey is a remarkable part of our community’s history, and we cannot allow such a legacy to disappear with the passage of time.”
The monarch added that the proposed military establishment would go beyond naming a facility after the deceased, describing it as an opportunity to preserve the memory of a Nigerian who dedicated his professional life to national service.
He also extended his condolences to Lagbaja’s family, while appreciating the Nigerian Army and the Federal Government for the responsibilities entrusted to the late general during his military career.
Oba Olaniyan urged the people of Ilobu-Asake to continue upholding the values of discipline, patriotism, courage and excellence associated with Lagbaja’s career.
He reaffirmed the community’s commitment to preserving the late general’s memory, describing him as a distinguished son whose achievements would remain an important part of Ilobu’s history.