*State to Take Over Burial -Governor
Safiu Kehinde
Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, led other dignitaries to mourn the demise of former Chief of General Staff, Nigerian Army, Lt. General Oladipupo Diya at his Lagos residence on Monday.
The governor had, in company of political bigwigs which include ex-ministers, senator, and others, lauded the life of the deceased while stressing that his death sentence saga is a lesson worth learning from.
“One of the lessons that can be learnt from the life and time of General Diya is that when God is with you and when your trust and faith is in God, man can sentence you, but God will uphold you,” the Governor said.
Speaking at the Ikeja home of the late Military Chief, Governor Abiodun lauded the life of the deceased while also commending his personality and military exploit.
“He is a very illustrious son of Ogun State. His contribution to the state will be remembered for many years to come.
“If you take a look at his military career, his antecedent, and his person, he is an exemplary soldier. He was very humble. He was a good christian, a gentleman, a loving passionate father, a darling husband to his wives, and a man of many parts,” Abiodun added.
The governor also revealed plans to set up a committee that will oversee a befitting funeral for the late CGS.
“The least we can do to honour him and support the family is to take over and give him a very befitting farewell.
“A committee will be set up that will comprise members of our cabinet and members of the family to ensure that we give our departed son a very befitting funeral.” He said.
Also speaking on the life of the late Diya is former Minister of State for Steel and Mining Development, Uche Ogalu.
According to him, Diya’s demise is a great loss not just to his family, but Nigeria as a whole.
“He is someone I respect so much. For me, it is a great loss to the entire nation because we lost someone that believes in the entity called Nigeria.
“His loss is not just for his family, but for the entire people of this nation.” He said.
On his part, Senator Anthony Adefuye expressed gratitude to his late colleague for ensuring his life was spared during an execution trial under Maj. Gen. Sanni Abacha’s regime.
“During his struggle of June 12, he stood by the people. If not for General Diya, I won’t be alive.
“He pleaded for my life when I was invited for execution. For that, I will never forget him. He is a very straightforward man who doesn’t tolerate nonsense.” Adefuye said.
In the same vein, a former military colleague to Diya, Air Vice Marshall Bayo Lawal, expressed gratitude to God over the life of his old friend while stressing that his integrity will be emulated by a lot of people.
“We thank God for his life. There a re lot of people who going to follow his integrity and attitude.” He said.