President Bola Tinubu, former Head of State, Gen Abdusalam Abubakar, and Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun on Saturday, eulogised the former Vice President of the country during the military era, Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya (retd.) as he was committed to the mother earth.
Late Diya who was buried at his Odogbolu country home with full military honour died on March 26 at the age of 79.
Tinubu in his tribute described Diya as a very resourceful military strategist and an epitome of integrity who was selfless in his contribution and service to his fatherland.
The President who was represented by the governor of Ogun State, gave his tribute during the funeral service held for the Late Diya at Cathedral Church of St Paul, Odogbolu, Ogun State.
President Tinubu disclosed that as an accomplished military General, the late Chief of Defence Staff gave his all for the protection of the territorial integrity of the country as well as the preservation of the unity of the country.
He said that the late Diya left behind rich legacies of selflessness, utmost diligence, and a deep sense of dedication to the generation coming behind.
Tinubu said “Lt Gen Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya was very dedicated to preserving peace and territorial integrity of the country, He rose through the rank to be Chief of General Staff.
“He was a strategic thinker with the ability to make swift decisions. He contributed to quelling an 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”.
Also paying his tribute, Abubakar described Diya as a dependable and professional colleague.
He added that he had always been the one taking over from him whenever he (Diya) was leaving such office for another.
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.
Abiodun said, “he was courageous and daring, quick-witted and patriotic. Gen. Diya played frontline roles in the evolution and development of the state and his activities in the military, in part led to the eventual return and enthronement of democracy in the country In 1999.”
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 fatherland.
In his sermon, the Bishop of Ijebu South West, Babatunde Ogunbanwo, who spoke on the theme ”The End Of A Fulfilled Life”, 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 a 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”
While speaking on the state of the country, the cleric warned politicians against arrogance and selfishness after getting to the seat of power.
He berated political leaders who he said are 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.
“If Nigerian leaders have the fear of God in their hearts, the country will not be in a total mess that we find ourselves”.
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, Senator Gbenga Kaka, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga and Alhaja Salmot Badru.
Also at the funeral were former military governors of Ogun State such as Kayode Olofinmoyin, Sam Ewang, Oladayo Popoola, and Daniel Akintonde among others.
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