Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, is dead.
Lagbaja’s death was announced on November 5, 2024, in a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on X.
The 56-year-old Army Chief reportedly died after battling an undisclosed illness while receiving medical treatment. According to a federal government report, he passed away in Lagos shortly after returning to Nigeria. Following his death, Lieutenant Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed as Acting Chief of Army Staff.
In a statement on November 5, Acting Chief of Army Staff Oluyede acknowledged President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to save the life of the late General Lagbaja and commended Lagbaja’s dedication to the nation.
He said, “His death is highly regrettable. Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the country did everything possible to keep him with us. He was someone who gave his all to Nigeria.”
Oluyede described Lagbaja as a “selfless leader” and a man of “passionate dedication to Nigeria,” further adding, “He led the Nigerian Army with courage, thoroughness, and professionalism. His loss is a profound one for us, and we pray that the good Lord will grant him rest.”
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Here’s a list of notable government figures and politicians who died in 2024
Patrick Ifeanyi Uba
The Senator representing Anambra South Senatorial District passed away on July 27, 2024, in London. A prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) member, he reportedly died in a hotel in the United Kingdom. Uba, aged 52, made significant contributions to Nigeria’s energy sector through his company, Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, and provided scholarships, healthcare, and support to the underprivileged via the Ifeanyi Uba Foundation.
Paul Akintelure
APC governorship aspirant in Ondo State, Paul Akintelure, died in the early hours of March 26, 2024. His death came after he raised concerns about threats to his life amid the Ondo State governorship election preparations.
Alhaja Ramota Bankole
Veteran politician and APC member, Alhaja Ramota Bankole, was among over 1,000 pilgrims who died in extreme heat during the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia in June. A former Welfare Secretary of APC’s Lagos chapter, her passing was confirmed by local officials in Saudi Arabia.
Ekene Adams
First-time House of Representatives member and Labour Party (LP) member, Ekene Adams, died at the age of 39. As Chair of the House Committee on Sports, he was described by his team as “a kind and gentle humanitarian, loved by all who knew him.”
Cairo Ojougboh
Former House of Representatives member and APC member, Cairo Ojougboh, passed away after collapsing during the AFCON semi-final match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in February 2024. Reports indicated he suffered a heart attack when South Africa was awarded a penalty.
Oluyemi Akinremi
Popularly known as “Dogonyaro,” Oluyemi Akinremi, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency, passed away earlier this year. He was well-regarded for his contributions to legislative debates and his advocacy for his constituency.
