Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passing of former Chief of General Staff (CGS), Lt.-General Oladipo Diya, describing his death as a great loss to the country.
The former CGS, who served as second in command to for Head of State, General Sani Abacha, and is also a former Military Governor of Ogun State, died early Sunday morning in a Lagos hospital.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said this in a condolence message issued on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Gboyega Akosile, who described the late Diya, as he commiserated with the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and the entire people of the state, especially the indigenes of Odogbolu, on the demise of their illustrious son, illustrious son, praying that God would give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
The governor also commiserated with the Nigerian Army, family, friends, and associates of the late General Diya.
Sanwo-Olu, while describing the death of Diya as a colossal loss to the country, said the deceased, while alive, made lots of positive impacts and contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria, especially in the Nigeria Army.
According to him, Diya fought, along with several other patriots, tirelessly for a united Nigeria during his days in the Nigerian Army, especially during the Civil War, saying he also held positions in the Armed Forces and rose to the position of the Chief of General Staff, (de facto Vice President of Nigeria) under the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I want to express my heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, the Nigerian Army, and associates of the late Lt.-General Oladipo Diya over the death of the former Chief of General Staff and Vice Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council.
“I also commiserate with my brother, Governor Dapo Abiodun, and the people of Odogbolu town and Ogun State over the death of their former governor and illustrious son. I pray that God will give them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“The death of Lt.-General Oladipo Diya is a colossal loss to the country. He made lots of positive impacts and contributions during his lifetime to the growth and development of Nigeria, especially in the Nigeria Army.
“He fought, along with several other patriots, tirelessly for a united Nigeria during his days in the Nigerian Army, especially during the Civil War. He also held positions in the Armed Forces and became the Chief of General Staff, (de facto Vice President of Nigeria) under the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha,” Governor Sanwo-Olu said.
“I pray that God will grant him eternal rest and give his immediate family, friends, associates, and the people of Ogun State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” he prayed.