Diya unforgettable, survived near-death encounters

Former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel and his successor, Ibikunle Amosun have reacted to the passing of a former Chief of Defence Staff and former Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya.

The two former governors regretted that the rank of Nigeria’s Elder Statesmen and significant personalities got further depleted on Sunday morning with the death of Gen. Diya.

According to Daniel, Ogun State has lost an illustrious son, who he said played active roles in the affairs of the nation.

“The demise of General Oladipo (rtd), is a great loss to our country, Nigeria and to Ogun State in particular,” the Senator-elect said.

He said Diya, as Chief of General Staff, played his part as a military strategist, stressing that his stabilising role during the military era can not be forgotten.

“As the Military Administrator of Ogun State, he was exemplary in the enforcement of the War Against Indiscipline with a focus on a cleaner environment and prayed that his family be able to bear the painful exit, ” Daniel said.

In his words, Amosun described Diya as an accomplished Army General and qualified Legal Practitioner, saying his diligence earned him many promotions and various appointments as Platoon Commander, 6th Battalion, Ikeja; Commanding Officer, 101 Battalion; Deputy Adjutant-General; Director, Nigerian Contingent in the UN Peacekeeping Operations among others.

Amosun said Diya was well regarded for unusual grace as a recipient of God’s special anointing, “which ensured that he survived a myriad of intrigues and several near-death encounters in his Military and public service career.”

In his condolences to the Diya family, the widow, the children and others, Amosun prayed that “the Holy Spirit will comfort you all on all sides.”

He prayed that the soul of Diya finds eternal rest in the bosom of his Creator.