Tinubu, Abubakar, Dapo Abiodun, Amosun others pay glowing tribute to late Diya 

…says he remains epitome of courage, bravery, discipline in service to fatherland 

By Kolawole Olayinka, Abeokuta

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday described the former Chief of GeneralStaff, Lt. Gen Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya as a resourceful military strategist, an epitome of courage, bravery, discipline and integrity who was selfless with his contribution and service to his father land, Nigeria.

President Tinubu noted that as an accomplished military General, the late Diya gave his all for the protection of the territorial integrity of the  country as well as the preservation of the unity of the country saying that he left behind rich legacies of selflessness, utmost  diligence and deep sense of dedication to generation coming behind.

The President who was represented by the governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun stated this while speaking at the funeral service held for the late Gen Diya at the Cathedral Church of St Paul, Odogbolu, Ogun State.

The Odogbolu, Ogun State born military General and one time Military Governor of Ogun State died on March 26 at the age of 79

Tinubu explained that though the exit of Diya has no doubt been painful but the country and the people left behind could always take solace in the fact that he served the country dutifully well and was an exemplary leader and shining example in the pursuit of truth, Integrity and all the noble ideal that have helped to preserve the unity of the country.

He said the deceased would always be remembered for introducing lots of reforms while in the army such as those  that are tailored towards improving on the welfare of the soldiers as well as that of the community service which has helped to improve relations between the soldiers and their host communities.

Tinubu said: “Lt. Gen. Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya was very dedicated to preserving peace and territorial integrity of the country. He rose through the ranks to be Chief of General Staff. He was a strategic thinker with ability to make swift decision.

“He contributed to quelling uprising that could hamper the security of the country and  Africa.His sense of diligence and selflessness remains a point of reference to those coming behind and we can always take solace in his pursuit of truth, integrity and unity of our country.”

Speaking in his capacity as the governor of the state, Prince Abiodun described Diya as an illustrious son and another gift to the nation urging the widow of the late General, Mrs Josephine Diya and the children to be comforted by the fact that the deceased left behind a very rich culture of selfless service and utmost love for his father land.

The Bishop of Diocese of Ijebu Southwest, Anglican Communion of Nigeria, Rt Revd Dr Babatunde Ogunbanwo described the deceased as a thorough bred and highly disciplined soldier who spent all his life to serve the country.

Giving his word of exhortation during the service with the theme; ”The End Of A Fulfilled Life” Revd Ogunbanwo described the deceased as a very gallant and highly disciplined officer who lived a simple life and was very committed to serving God and caring for the people.

He said: “Lt Gen Oladipo Diya was a great Ijebu son. He was role model to many of us; he was very instrumental to the creation of the Diocese of Ijebu Southwest of the Anglican Communion. He single handedly built the church hall for us.

“He was involved in the development of Odogbolu too. He donated a library. He was a humble man. You won’t even know he was once the number two citizen in the country when you visit him at his Ikeja home. He was such a great man.”

Also speaking before the military General was buried at his Odogbolu country home, former Head of State, Gen. Abusalam Abubakar described Diya as a dependable and professional colleague, saying that he had always been the one taking over from him whenever he (Diya) was leaving one office for another.

Other dignitaries at the event were the Deputy governor of Ogun State, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Sen Olamillekan Adeola representing Ogun West, his counterpart representing Ogun Central, Sen Shuaib Salis, former deputy governors, Chief Mrs Yetunde Onanuga and  Alhaja Salmot Badru.

Others were former military governors of Ogun State such as Kayode Olofinmoyin, Sam Ewang, Oladayo popoola and Daniel Akintonde.