Wilson Adekumola
The Governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa has commiserated with the Ogun State Government, the Diya family of Odogbolu, and the people of the state on the demise of Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya (retd).
Recall that Diya was the Chief of General Staff during the late Gen. Sani Abacha regime from November 1993 to December 1997, reportedly died at a Lagos hospital on Sunday morning after a brief illness, a few days to his 79th birth anniversary.
In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, on Sunday in Asaba, Okowa condoled with the Odogbolu community and stated that the news of Diya’s death was disheartening news especially as the nation was currently in dire need of the wise counseling of well-meaning Nigerians, including the deceased.
In his remark, he noted that the memories of the departed general would forever linger.
He called on Nigerians and the Yoruba race in particular, to remember him for his immense contributions to the unity of Nigeria and the sanctity of its sovereignty.
Okowa said, ‘As Deltans, we are extremely proud of the outstanding contributions of Gen. Diya to the Nigerian Army where he served in different capacities from 1964 to 1997, including as Vice Chairman of, the Provincial Ruling Council in 1994.
“He was also Military Governor of Ogun State from January 1984 to August 1985.
“Gen. Diya had an illustrious military career and served the nation with full dedication and commitment to duty.
“On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Delta, I send my deepest condolences to the Diya family, the Yoruba nation, and the people of Odogbolu where he hails from.’
He then prayed for repose of the soul of the deceased.
