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Hmmm…what a painful and calamitous lost?
Babajide Kolade Otitoje (aka BOK) of TVCNews, in the popular Journalists Hangout belt, first propagated his brilliant credentials on the programme, especially his days as GOC in Kaduna and how he led from the front to deal with enemies of State along the Kaduna-Abuja expressway. That report on him by BKO, aroused my curiosity. Lagbaja name sounded comic, a sort of alias but several months later it was established it was not a pseudo-name but his real name and that was where the contradiction stems. He had a stern-looking disposition of a true professional senior Army officer but his name suggested the contrary. You remember that popular Lagos-based musician called Lagbaja?
There was no sentiment in his works, he did his job in the best interest of the nation and his constituency. I can proudly attest. I have visited the Army Headquarters on more than four occasions. His aides were thorough and amazingly treated me, a bloody civilian faa, with respect on each occasion, an overflow of their boss’s simplicity and respect.
Let me open up. I had a proposal on his table. The file was not moving as expected. In fact, at a time l thought l would contact BKO to chip-in some words for me at the level of COAS. Later l decided otherwise.
The long and short of it, he was a good man, a thoroughbred omoluabi personified, inspite and despite his admirable successes in his career.
My heart goes out to his amiable wife (Mariya Taoreed) and his two adorable children. May God grant you people the strength and grace to withstand this calamitous fall in the family. Not at a time like this.
And to my wonderful Osun in-laws, especially the industrious Ilobu people of Osun State. The star had fallen. Be strong, do not begrudge our Creator. Another bright star from llobu shall spring from that ancient town. My condolences.
And to General, if you can hear me from the celestial realm. You were humble, likeable and unassuming person. Inspite your height in life, you remembered your little beginnings and you never took your place of birth for granted and that is how it should be.
May your courageous soul continue to fight for a united and peaceful Nigeria from the celestial realm. May you find favour with your Creator. May Mother Earth receive you gleefully and be friendly to your remains.
Surprisingly, Nigerians, across the political divide are united in mourning your sudden and painful transition.
Nigerians love you, General.
The Nigerian Military respects and honours you for your deep sense of commitment to nationbuilding efforts.
Our President and your Commander-in-Chief appreciates your valuable contributions at so short a time as COAS.
The CDS, your paddy, and indeed all the Service Chiefs have their heads bowed in honour of you. The flags are flown half-mast, courtesy presidential order.
Nigerians mourn a gallant, unassuming officer. These are synopses since your transition last Tuesday, painfully so.
Adieu Lt General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
Adieu the people’s General.
Bernard Balogun (BenPino) writes from Abuja
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