Tinubu postpones FEC meeting to honour late CoAS Lt. General Lagbaja
President Bola Tinubu has postponed this week’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting to honour the memory of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the former Chief of Army Staff, who passed away last night after an undisclosed illness.
In a statement seen by Neusroom, Bayo Onanuga, the President’s special adviser on information and strategy, announced that President Tinubu has “rescheduled the Federal Executive Council meeting for a later date.”
The President has also directed that flags be flown at half-staff across Nigeria for the next week to honour the late army chief.
The FEC meeting, initially set for today, was postponed in recognition of Lagbaja’s contributions to the nation.
Earlier today, President Tinubu expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Lagbaja family and the Nigerian Armed Forces. He also wished the late army chief eternal peace and praised his commitment and service to Nigeria.
Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja served as the Chief of Army Staff from June 19, 2023, until his passing on November 5, 2024. The Nigerian army had to dispel rumours that he had died on the 20th of October 2024, announcing that he was receiving treatment abroad.
On October 30, Tinubu appointed Olufemi Oluyede as the acting COAS and the president decorated Oluyede with a new rank of lieutenant-general at the Aso Villa just yesterday.
Lt. General Lagbaja’s distinguished military career
Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu. His military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987.
On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course. Lagbaja served as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
According to the obituary statement from the president, General Lagbaja played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.
Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.
