In a moving tribute to the nation”s late number two man, Lt-General Oladipo Diya, former President Olusegun Obasanjo says his death has depleted the rank of the nation’s leadership.
Recall that early on Sonday, the Diya family had announced his passing away.
In a statement, the family through Barrister Prince Oyesinmilola Diya, announced:
“On behalf of the entire Diya family home and abroad; We announce the passing on to Glory of our dear Husband, Father, Grandfather, brother, Lt- General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya (Rtd) GCON, LLB, BL, PSC, FSS, mni.
Our dear Daddy passed onto glory in the early hours of 26th March 2023.
Please keep us in your prayers as we mourn his demise in this period. Further announcements will be made public in due course.
The late Lt- General Donaldson Oladipo Diya, (Rtd) was a patriot who showed deep love and commitment to Nigeria during and after his service to the military and the nation, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
In a statement he personally signed, the VP said “I received with sadness, the news of the passing of (rtd) Lt- General Donaldson Oladipo Diya, the former Chief of General Staff and number two official in the administration of the Federal Military Government of the late General Sani Abacha.
“General Diya was not only a distinguished Nigerian patriot, and an illustrious son of Odogbolu in Ogun State, he was also a statesman who showed deep love and commitment to our country even after his illustrious service to the nation.
“General Diya, GCON, LLB, BL, PSC, FSS, mni, was a forthright, brilliant officer and a devoted family man,” he added.
The Vice President stated that “his passing is a loss to the people of Ogun State and Nigeria. Our prayer is that God comforts the family, friends , associates and the people of Ogun State. May his memory always be blessed.”
In his tribute, Obasanjo, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi said, “ 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, Nigeria 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.
“I recall as a Military Governor of Ogun State, he made tremendous mark through dedication to duty, loyalty to his fatherland and an impeccable example of incorruptible leadership. He was courageous and quite a disciplinarian and a no-nonsense officer….
“In retirement, Diya contributed to national development as a private businessman, legal practitioner and a provider of employment for many of our people.
“He is being mourned, therefore, beyond his immediate family and community. I believe the entire nation also shares the pain and grief for the irreparable loss of a distinguished son of Nigeria indeed.”
Obasanjo wished the late Diya’s family the comfort and solace sorely needed during this period of bereavement and great trial.
“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,”