Diya's death, quantum loss to Ogun, Nigeria – Ayoola

.     Late General Oladipo Diya 

Damilola Ajibola

A Poland-based international trade expert, Omooba Adekunle Ayoola, has described the passage of General Donaldson Oladipo Diya, as a quantum loss to Ogun and Nigeria.

Ayoola in a statement made available to News Contact Online said the late Diya gave his all towards the development of Nigeria.

Diya died in the early hours of Sunday 26th, a week away from his 79th birthday.

Ayoola who is always from Odogbolu Local Government Area ,said Diya was a distinguished military man who 

was involved in peace keeping efforts in Liberia and Sierria Leone and to a large extent helped in stabilising peace in Africa continent

The chieftain of the All Progressives Congress 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”.