President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday mourned the passing of retired Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya GCON, who served as Chief of General Staff from 1993 to 1997 and Vice Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council in 1994.
The President, in a statement by his Spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja paid tribute to Diya’s bold and courageous career in the Nigeria military.
He particularly lauded him for his dedicated service to the country as General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Commandant, National War College (1991–1993), Chief of Defence Staff and Military Governor of Ogun State from January 1984 to August 1985.
Buhari recalled that the late Diya was known for his brilliance, exceptional organisational skills and discipline, and he displayed these virtues in the important roles he held in office as a military officer.
The president saluted the former Chief of General Staff for his love, belief and loyalty to the country he cherished so much and fought gallantly on the frontlines to defend her unity.
Buhari, who extended heartfelt condolences to Diya’s family, friends and colleagues, prayed that Diya’s soul finds rest with his Creator, and may his contributions to the nation never be forgotten.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has expressed shock over the death of the former Chief of General Staff, retired Lt-.Gen. Oladipo Diya.
Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), conveyed FEC’s condolences in a statement issued by Mr Willie Bassey, Director of Information, office of the SGF on Sunday in Abuja.
According to Mustapha, the Federal Executive Council received with shock the death of Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya.
Mustapha said Diya was a seasoned military officer with admirable administrative capabilities in the various functions he served the country.
He also described late Diya as a notable statesman who made invaluable contributions to nation-building.
“FEC condoles with the government and people of Ogun State, his family and friends, and prays to God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest,” Mustapha said.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has also mourned the death of the former Chief of General Staff under Gen. Sani Abacha’s government.
Abiodun in a statement in Abeokuta by his spokesperson, Kunle Somorin, described Diya as a seasoned administrator, gentleman and officer whose contributions to the development of the security architecture of Nigeria would remain indelible.
The governor added that the Ogun state would not forget Diya’s role in its history.
He recalled that the deceased who was a former number “Two Citizen” in the country, was also a military governor in the state.
“He was courageous and daring, quick-witted and patriotic.
“Diya played frontline roles in the evolution and development of the state and Nigeria as a whole,” the governor said.
Abiodun called on the family members, friends and associates of the departed leader to take solace in the fact that he played the parts assigned to him by providence diligently, conscientiously and patriotically meritoriously.
The governor prayed to God to grant his soul eternal rest, while enjoining Nigerians to emulate the good virtues that he left behind.
Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to deceased Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya, Mr Olawale Adekoya, also on Sunday described him as a pioneering leader in many endeavours.
Born at Odogbolu, Ogun, on April 3, 1944, Diya died on March 26 at a Lagos Hospital at the age of 79.
He was one of the pioneer students of Odogbolu Grammar School in 1957.
Diya was also among the pioneer students of the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) that graduated as Regular Course One cadets on March 18, 1967.
One of his peers at the NDA is retired Gen. Aliyu Gusau, Defence Minister from 2014 to 2015.
Another one is General Ishola Williams who walked out on the army and on General Sani Abacha in 1993 on the premise that his and the army’s takeover of government were immoral.
The same Gen. Abacha appointed Diya as his Chief of General Staff when he took over government from the Interim National Government (ING).
The ING was put in place by military president, retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida when he “stepped aside’’ following strident measures by Nigerians to end military rule.
Before his appointment as Abacha’s deputy, Diya was the pioneer Commandant of the Nigeria War College between 1991 and 1993.
Earlier than these, deceased Gen. Diya was Commander 31, Airborne Brigade of the Nigerian Army.
He was appointed Military Governor of Ogun from January 1984 to August 1985, the period during which he banned night parties and closure of roads by revelers in a state widely known for “owambe’’ all-night parties.
He became General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigeria Army in 1985.
Diya’s passing on was first announced on Sunday in a statement issued by his first son, Prince Oyesinmilola Diya, a lawyer on behalf of the family.
His media aide, Adekoya said at the deceased’s residence in Lagos that: “incidentally, Oyesinmilola along with his late father made history when they were both called to the bar on the same day some years back.’’
Diya was survived by Josephine, his wife, many children and grandchildren spread across the world.
“A former member of the House of Representatives, Mr Wole Diya is his younger brother; Barrister Kehinde Diya is also his younger brother.
“We also have a General in the Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Olusola Diya who was recently promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General,’’ Adekoya said.
Diya authored a book entitled: “Destiny Anchored on Faith’’ which encompassed the life he lived and elucidated on the role he played during Nigeria’s civil war of 1968 to 1970.
The country home of late Gen. Oladipo Diya, Agada road in Odogbolu, Ogun State, was devoid of sympathisers on Sunday, even after his demise was announced in the early hours of the day.
As at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, no condolence register was placed, the gate to his country home residence was locked, with only journalists spotted, trying to gather information.
The security guard of the house, who spoke to newsmen, said no one was at home and any information needed could only be gotten at the late General’s residence in Ikeja, Lagos.
Meanwhile, the Dean, Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Odogbolu, Rev. Olayiwola Awoyungbo, said at the Church premises in Odogbolu that the late Diya contributed immensely to the development of his community.
” He is a man that is loved by the people, especially considering his role in the socioeconomic development of Odogbolu community.
“When he was detained by the government of late Gen. Sani Abacha, the people of Odogbolu stood by him.
” He also contributed to the development of this Church materially, spiritually, morally and financially,” he said.
Also, Olusola Ogunaike, the Olugbon of Odogbolu, who noted that death remained natural, said that the late Diya was a good man and a good ambassador of the state.
” He did very well as vice president. He was a role model. The community is proud of him. Everybody will go one day,” he said.
Mr Akinola Adeniyi, Diya’s younger brother from another mother, described the death of his elder brother as shocking, saying that he contributed meaningfully to the wellbeing of his siblings.
Adeniyi explained that late Diya was a Christian to the core and he died on a Sunday too.
” He always wanted the best for his family and his people. He gave out scholarships and ensured developmental projects in his community,” he said. (NAN)
