Lt. General Oladipo Diya, a Soldier and a fine gentleman, the legendary generalisimo, former Governor of Ogun State, former Chief of General Staff, former Vice Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council and the Asiwaju of Odogbolu, born on April 3, 1944, eventually fell to destiny and joined his ancestors on the 26th of March 2023.
General Diya was the leader of the battlefront and the protective rear-guard. He escaped the trap set for him.
He was an amiable
paterfamilias with disarming smiles and graceful candour.
He was humble, supportive, charming, dedicated, dependable and very respectful. When he was in power and even thereafter, he accorded his elders the utmost customary respect and supreme
deference as if they were demi-gods, characteristic of Omoluwabi.
He was an accomplished and devoted son of Nigeria.
The immeasurable contributions of General Diya to his fatherland will forever be a gargantuan folktale in the annals of history.
He was a patriot and a world statesman. Till the very end, General Diya remained a Soldier, a fine gentleman and an accomplished member of the bar.
As a Soldier, a family man, an elder and statesman, he came, he saw and he conquered. We will forever miss him.
Adieu General Donaldson Oyeyinka Diya. May your gentle soul rest in perfect peace.
Sope Adeeko and Francis Ogunbowale wrote from London.