Mr Biodun Oyebanji, Governor of Ekiti, 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 the age of 78.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Oyebanji said Diya’s death has robbed Nigeria of one of its finest military officers who fought gallantly for the country’s unity.
According to the statement, the deceased used the most productive part of his life to serve his fatherland with uncommon dedication.
He stated that the late Diya was successful in all of the command positions and political offices he held during 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.
Oyebanji 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.
The governor prayed 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)