President Bola Tinubu, former Head of State, Gen. Abusalam Abubakar, and Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Saturday eulogised the former Chief of General Staff of during the military era, Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya (retd.) as he was committed to the mother earth.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, at the burial service of the general, said Diya, former Chief of General Staff under the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, lived a brave and patriotic life, and would remain a reference point for coming generations of military officers.
The late general was buried in his home town Odogbolu, on Saturday after the funeral service at the Cathedral Church of St Paul, Anglican Communion, Odogbolu, Ogun State.
Diya died on March 26, 2023 at the age of 79. He was a former Military Administrator of Ogun State, among other positions he held during his lifetime.
The President said Diya’s life of “bravery, discipline, courage, integrity and patriotism,” must be “consciously” celebrated.
He added, “General Diya’s contributions to the sanctity of Nigeria’s territorial integrity as well as his effort towards curtailing several uprisings that threatened the corporate entity of Nigeria are legendary.
“Indeed, his life of selflessness and diligence in the service of the military elite remains a reference point for coming generations of military officers and a sort of scholarship material in academia.”
Speaking in his capacity as the governor of the state, Abiodun, described the late general as a seasoned administrator, gentleman and officer who made contributions to the development of the security architecture of Nigeria.
He urged the widow of the late General, Mrs Josehine Diya and the children to be comforted by the fact that the deceased was leaving behind a very rich culture of selfless service and utmost love for his father land.
Meanwhile, the Bishop of Ijebu South-West Anglican Diocese, Babatunde Ogunbanwo, who described Diya as a Nigerian hero that was not celebrated in his lifetime, said the former Chief of General Staff served the nation faithfully and lived a good life.
In his sermon, the Bishop of Ijebu South West, Babatunde Ogunbanwo, warned politicians against arrogance and selfishness after getting the power.
He berated political leaders who he said were not serving the people according to the fear of God.
Ogunbanwo said, “Many of these politicians amassed wealth and hid money everywhere, forgetting the fact that they are going to leave the office one day, and even leave the earth.”
The cleric, however, commended late Diya who he said exhibited the fear of God during his lifetime.
Diya was born on 3 April 1944 in Odogbolu, Ogun State. He had his primary education at Yaba Methodist Primary School, Lagos and Odogbolu Grammar School.
