Former Chief of General Staff, Lt. General Oladipo Diya, is bereaved.
The former military governor of Ogun state, lost his second wife, Chief (Mrs) Rebecca Folashade Diya.
Aged 66, Folashade was reported to have died from complications arising from Coronavirus. She died at the First Cardiologists, Ikoyi, where Abba Kyari, the late Chief of Staff to President Buhari died last month.
The retired Nigerian Army Infantry officer and late Head of State General Sani Abacha’s second-in/Command as Chief of General Staff, has consequently gone into isolation together with other members of his family.
The deceased was reported to have contacted the virus through the two domestic aides. Alhough, the Diyas were said to have observed the lockdown by not stepping out of their home, the aides attending to them, were said to have gained unfettered access into their home.
The deceased’s two daughters and two aides who work with General Diya are also said to also be infected. But Gen Diya is said to have tested negative. On account of this tragic incident,the Diyas home has been vacated to allow for intensive fumigation of the building. Friends of the General have been sending condolence messages to him since the news broke of his wife’s demise.
It will be recalled that Diya’s first wife, Josephine Onoimiuko, celebrated her 70th birthday last March.
Meanwhile, according to a press statement released by Olawale Adekoya, Special Adviser (Media & Strategy) to Gen Diya, the late Mrs Diya died on Monday.
The statement reads in part: “With grief in our hearts but gratitude to Almighty God, we announce the transition onto eternal glory of Chief Mrs Deborah Folashade Diya (JP), wife of His Excellency, Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya (Rtd); whose death occurred on Monday, May 18, 2020. She was aged 66.
“Madam Deborah Folashade Diya was preparing and looking forward to her 66th birthday celebration on May 23rd 2020 (this week). But as man proposes, God disposes; six days ago, she took ill and was taken to the hospital, where she took her last breath on Monday, May 18.
“Otunba Folashade Deborah Diya dedicated her life to the emancipation of humanity and service of the Almighty God.
“She was a devout Christian, a loyal and dedicated wife, a loving mother, an alluring grandmother and a passionate chorister at United African Methodist (Evangelical) Church, Abule Ijesha, Yaba, Lagos. She was a chorister who sang and danced for the Lord all the way.
“Fondly called Mumsie, Chief (Mrs) D.F. Diya was a model of love, compassion and generosity until her very last moments. Her mission was one that made a great difference in the lives of many people.
“She was a silent operator who always made things work out positively: disciplined, focussed and straight forward.
“In spite of her privileged position as the wife of a former Military Vice President in the country, she didn’t live the life of celebrity or ostentation. Rather, she adopted a humble life of dedication to God.”
(Elite NG)
