The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun has announced that the former Chief of General Staff and Military Governor of Ogun state, South West Nigeria, the late Oladipo Diya, who died on Sunday, March 26, 2023 would be given a state burial
The Governor who made this known during a condolence visit to the Lagos state residence of the late Diya’s family disclosed that a committee of State Executive Council members would be set up to liaise with the family to give the former Chief of General Staff a befitting burial.
He described General Diya’s death as a great loss to Ogun state and Nigeria in general, adding that the late Diya lived an impactful life worthy of emulation.
Speaking further, while leading a delegation from the state comprising members of the State Executive Council, the governor said, “General Diya was a man of many parts. His life epitomized integrity and character. He was a soldier and gentleman, a lawyer with an eventful career. He rose to the peak of his career as the Chief of General Staff. “
He noted that he held many command and administrative positions while in the military and continued to make an impact on humanity after retirement from active service.
The Governor acknowledged Diya’s commitment to his community, especially in the Odogbolu Local Government Area, adding that the history of Ogun State would not be complete without the mention of his name.
While praying for the repose of the soul of the deceased, he urged the family, and friends not to grieve over his death as he, Diya had impacted his generation and has gone home to rest with his Lord.
Responding on behalf of the family, one of the sons of the late General, Oyedamola Diya, thanked the governor for showing concerns to the family at this trying time through the visit, saying that his father while alive, had a deep affection for the present administration because of its good works.
Mournings
Meanwhile, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says the late Donaldson Oladipo Diya, was a patriot who showed deep love and commitment to Nigeria during and after his service to the military and the nation.
The Office of the Vice President said in a release on Monday that Prof. Osinbajo expressed his condolence over Diya’s death in a statement he personally signed.
“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.
“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,” the Vice President stated.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor CFR has also expressed sadness over the sudden death of the late Diya.
General Irabor, on behalf of himself and members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, joined millions of Nigerians and other well-wishers to mourn the former Chief General Staff.
The CDS extended his deepest condolences to the family of the late General Diya and the people of Ogun State.
General Irabor described the late Diya as a complete gentleman and a thoroughbred General and Elder Statesman who has made positive impacts on the Armed Forces of Nigeria he served meritoriously for 33 years and the nation in general.
He prayed to Almighty God to grant him eternal rest in His bosom.
Meanwhile, a condolence register is opened at Defence Headquarters for the general public to register their condolence over the sad exit of the Late General.
PIAK
