The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has expressed his condolences on the death of a former Chief of General Staff (CGS), Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya (rtd.), who died on Sunday at 78.
Oyebanji in a statement on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, said Diya’s death has robbed Nigeria of one of its finest military officers who fought gallantly for the country’s unity.
The governor, according to the statement, explained that the deceased used the most productive part of his life to serve his fatherland with uncommon commitment.
He stated that the late Diya recorded a success of all the command positions and political offices he held in his lifetime.
He noted that the deceased excelled as a Military Governor of Ogun, General Officer Commanding 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of General Staff under the late former Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha.
He hailed the deceased for leaving good legacies in Ogun during his tenure and for his contributions to peace and stability of Nigeria at a difficult period as the number two citizen in the Abacha regime.
The governor said Diya was also an intellectual in the military as a renowned author and a lawyer who contributed immensely to knowledge with his wealth of experience.
He then prayed to God to grant the family of the deceased the fortitude to bear the loss, urging them to be consoled by the worthy legacies he left behind and for being on the positive side of history.
He also commiserated with the government and the people of Ogun on the loss of an illustrious son, praying God to grant him an eternal rest.
NAN