- Family covets prayers from well-wishers
Nigerians from all walks of life have continued to celebrate the life and times of former Chief of General Staff (CGS), General Oladipo Diya, who passed on to glory on Sunday, March 26 at the age of 79.
The glowing tributes pouring in have come from President Muhammadu Buhari, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan; President-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; Federal Executive Council, FEC; and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State among others.
Separately, the messages appreciated the late Diya’s love, belief and loyalty to the country with his family requesting Nigerians to uphold them in prayers at this trying time.
Diya Enjoyed A Bold, Courageous Career — Buhari
In his condolence message, President Muhammadu Buhari expressed grief over the passing of Diya, who served as Chief of General Staff from 1993 to 1997 and Vice Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council in 1994.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Femi Adesina, the President paid tribute “to General Diya’s bold and courageous career in the Nigeria military and 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.”
He further recalled that General 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.
His Accomplishments Outstanding — Obasanjo
For former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the late Diya’s life was a great success and accomplishment, which would long be remembered after him.
In a statement by Kehinde Akinyemi, his Special Assistant on Media, Chief Obasanjo said there is no doubt that the ranks of the nation’s leaders have been depleted “by the loss of a dedicated and resourceful patriot, who served the nation in various capacities as an army officer, community leader and a legal practitioner.
“It is noteworthy that in the course of his military service, which straddled more than three decades, he acquitted himself as a dedicated officer and a real patriot. From the thick of the Nigerian civil war to the post-war re-organisation of the Army, he distinguished himself as a seasoned soldier.
“The rare diligence, loyalty and resourcefulness with which he carried out his duties and responsibilities, culminated in his appointment as Commander 31, Airborne Brigade; Military Governor of Ogun State from January 1984 to August 1985; General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigerian Army in 1985; Commandant, National War College, 1991–1993; Chief of Defence Staff in 1993 and soon after, Chief of General Staff also in 1993; Vice Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council in 1994 and later functioned as Nigeria’s number two man under the military administration of General Sani Abacha from 1994 to 1997.
“We, however, have cause to thank God that his life was a great success and many of his accomplishments will for long be remembered after him.”
Diya, A Committed Patriot — Jonathan
Also expressing his condolences over Diya’s death, former president Goodluck Jonathan, described him as a committed patriot and courageous soldier, noting that he served the country diligently and fought for the unity of Nigeria.
The former President’s condolence message to the family noted that Diya showed bravery and brilliance as a military leader, adding; “Diya devoted so much of his energy towards uniting Nigeria and showed exceptional brilliance while holding different command positions in the nation’s military leadership.
“He will be remembered for his efforts towards promoting peace and commitment to the progress and development of our nation.”
FEC, Tinubu Condole Diya’s Family
Condolence messages to the late Diya’s family also came from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the President-elect, Tinubu with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, expressing shock at his death.
Director Information in the Office of the SGF, Willie Bassey said in a statement that Mr Mustapha described Diya as a seasoned military officer with admirable administrative capabilities in his various functions as the Military Governor, Chief of Defence Staff and later, Chief of General Staff.
The statement reads: “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.”
On his part, the President-elect, Tinubu expressed sadness over the passing of the retired General and commended his contributions to national development and the military institution in the country.
A statement by his media aide, Tunde Rahman, quoted Asiwaju Tinubu as saying; “The news of the death of General Oladipo Diya early this morning (Sunday) came to me as a shock. I send my heartfelt condolences and sympathy to his immediate family, especially his wives and children.
“General Diya lived a remarkable life as a soldier and he made his mark in the military where he served our country diligently. As Military Governor of Ogun State, in the various military positions, he held till he rose to the enviable position of Chief of General Staff and second in command to the Head of State, he served meritoriously.
“As much as he could, he played a stabilising role during one of the most turbulent periods in our nation’s life in the aftermath of the June 12, 1993, presidential election. He will be remembered for his patriotism and service to the nation.”
His Roles In developing Ogun Appreciated — Gov Abiodun
Also in his condolence message, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State said Diya’s contribution to the development of the state will not be forgotten in a hurry.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Kunle Somorin, the governor said; “He was courageous and daring, quick-witted and patriotic. General Diya played frontline roles in the evolution and development of the state and his activities in the military, in part led to the eventual return and enthronement of democracy in the country in 1999.”
Please Keep Us In Your Prayers — Family
The family, while announcing the death of their father through one of his children, Prince Oyesinmilola Diya, confirmed that the retired Army General died early on Sunday morning and that they are coveting the prayers of Nigerians.
According to the message; “On behalf of the entire Diya family, home and abroad, we announce the passing onto glory of our dear husband, father, grandfather and brother, Lt. Gen. Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya (rtd).
“Our dear Daddy passed onto glory in the early hours of March 26, 2023. Please keep us in your prayers as we mourn his demise in this period. Further announcements will be made public in due course.”
Born Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya, the late General, who served as Chief of General Staff during the regime of late General Sani Abacha from 1994 to 1997, was arrested, tried, convicted and given the death penalty for treason by the Abacha-led Military regime. However, upon the untimely death of Abacha in 1998, Diya was pardoned by the late Head of State’s successor, Abdusalami Abubakar.
He was appointed Chief of General Staff in 1993 and Vice Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council (PRC) in 1994. As Chief of the General Staff, he was the de facto Vice President of Nigeria during the Sani Abacha military junta and his Principal Staff Officer during this period was Bode George.
He previously served as Chief of Defence Staff and was Military Governor of Ogun State from January 1984 to August 1985.
