In a statement by Adewinmbi, the CoAS was taken in a period the country needed him most.
"It pains when the upright beloved person departs your area. It is more painful when the person departs to the great beyond.
"My heart was heavy to hear the demise of a colleague that had contributed meaningfully well to safeguard the territory of our dear country with his sweat and blood when it rains and in hot Sahara sun.
"General Lagbaja had done his best for the nation when the nation needed him but it's painful that the cold hand of death didn't allow him to finish the good plans he has for the nation.
"I, Brig.-Gen. Adewinmbi Bashir condoles with the people of Ilobu where the gallant Lagbaja hailed from, his immediate family, the wife, the two children he left behind and Nigerians.
"The Kabiyesi, Olobu of Ilobu should take this as a will of God as death is inevitable.
"My heart and mind is with the Nigeria Army at this difficult time, as it's given to man to die and everyone is bound to taste this constant transition, I pray to God to be with his family." the statement reads
