Tributes As General Diya’s Brother, Ex-Reps Member Wole Diya Dies
Honourable Wole Diya, a former two-term legislator in the House of Representatives (Somolu, Lagos Federal Constituency), has passed away.
He was aged 63 and died 11 days short of his next birthday on August 20.
Diya was the younger brother of the late General Oladipo Diya, former Chief of Defence Staff, who died March last year aged 78.
Breaking the news, Hon. Kolade Alabi David, Chairman of Bariga Local Council, expressed his condolences to Diya’s family, political associates, and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, political associates, and the members of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), on the passing of Hon. Oyewole Babafemi Diya,” said Hon. Alabi.
“Hon. Wole Diya, a former Lagos State House of Assembly Member representing Somolu, later went on to represent Somolu Federal Constituency at the National Assembly. His exemplary leadership extended beyond politics, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him.”
Also, Chairman, Somolu Local Government, Hon. Abdul Hamed Salawu, “Dullar,” said: “The news of the demise of our amiable leader, Hon. Oyewole Babafemi Diya, is a shocking one we are still viewing as a mirage. His passing leaves a deep void in our hearts and in the fabric of our community.
Hon. Diya was a perfect gentleman, a leader who exemplified humility, integrity, and unwavering dedication to the people he served. “Hon. Diya was more than just a political leader within the All Progressives Congress; he was a true champion of the people, always prioritizing the needs of his constituents and the community at large. His concern for the well-being of others set him apart as a leader of remarkable empathy and vision.”
In his tribute, Lagos Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Oluwaseun Osiyemi said: “It’s deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Honorable Wole Diya, a rare gem and a true champion of the community.
“(He was) a man with an unwavering commitment to public service as well as a party loyalist leaving an indelible mark in the hearts of many.”
His elder brother, General Oladipo Diya, was Chief of General Staff in 1993 and Vice Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council in 1994, as second-in-command to General Sani Abacha.
He would be arrested and tried by the military junta for treason in 1997.
