Poland-based international trade expert and who is also from Odogbolu Local Government area of Ogun State, Omooba Adekunle Adebayo Ayoola has joined Nigerians at home and abroad to mourn the exit of the former Vice President during the military era, Gen Oladipupo Diya (rtd.) who died early hours of today at 79.
Ayoola described the passage of the Odogbolu born late military tactician as no doubt a quantum loss to Ogun State and Nigeria in general given his selflessness and contributions towards the development of the country.
The chieftain of the All Progressives Congress said that Diya who was the Military governor of Ogun State between February 1984 to August 1985 was another soldier-elder statesman who at different times was involved in peace keeping efforts in Liberia and Sierria Leone and to a large extent helped in stabilising peace in Africa continent
While mourning this late military boss, Ayoola said “General Diya was a distinguished military officer who served Nigeria with honour and distinction. His passage at at a time we least expected is a great loss to us in Odogbolu, Nigeria and the world at large.
“In this tribute, I will reflect on his life, his achievements, and his legacy. General Diya was born on April 3, 1944, in Odogbolu, Ogun State, Nigeria. He joined the Nigerian Army in 1964 and rose through the ranks to become a Major General. He served in various capacities, including as the Chief of Defense Staff, Chief of Army Staff, and Chief of Staff, at Supreme Headquarters. He was the defacto Vice President to Late Gen Sanni Abacha until his lock up by Abacha for the trumped charges of infamous military coup of 1995
“General Diya was a courageous and dedicated soldier who fought for the unity and progress of Nigeria. He played a key role in the country’s peacekeeping efforts in Liberia and Sierra Leone, where he helped to restore peace and stability to those countries.
“He was also instrumental to the successful transition from military to civilian rule in Nigeria in 1999. General Diya was a man of integrity and honour. He was known for his honesty, humility, and selflessness. He was in a class of his own. I hereby commiserate with the people of Odogbolu, most especially, Diya’s family as well as the entire Ogun State and Nigeria on the demise of this patriotic Nigerian. May God give us all the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss”.