Gen. Olanrewaju, Ex-Communications Minister Mourns Diya; Says his death a tragic loss

Former Minister of Communication and military Commander, Major General Tajudeen Adisa Olarenwaju (retd), has mourned the passing of former Chief of General Staff under the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha, Lt. General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya, describing it as “the tragic national loss of a patriot, statesman, courageous officer and a fine gentleman.”

Olanrenwaju, who was jailed with Diya by their estranged boss for a phantom coup but escaped the firing squad after the sudden death of Abacha in 1998, extolled the virtues of General Diya as “a principled military officer with high intellectual disposition.”

“His knowledge of the law” coupled with his vast military experience made him to excel on many fronts as a no-nonsense field officer or administrator,” said Olarenwaju.

Olanrewaju expressed heartfelt condolences to the nuclear and extended families, colleagues and friends of the fallen hero.

The ex-Minister of Communications said General Diya would be remembered as a national icon with a giant footprints in the sand of time.