The last home journey of the body of Late Lt. General Oladipupo Diya, GCON whose passage was on 26th June, 2023 born on 3rd April, 1944 commenced on 23rd July, 2023 with a Service of songs and Night of Tributes.
The Service which was held in the Haven Event Centre, Sheraton Hotel, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, Ikeja, Lagos was full of unprecedented encomiums, eulogies and praises to God for a life he very well spent.
Gen. Oladipupo Diya was described by many as a gallant fighter, a lover of God and his people; a good and disciplinary father whose all his children were well read and successful; a considerable helper to the needy and hopeless; a good Christian who in his lifetime saw to the development of christianity all around him; a cheerful giver; a probity, accountable and full of productivity; etc.
His life documentary presentation of his achievements was relaid on the Screen for all to view while the members of the immediate and relatives, friends, in-laws and associates were duly called forward to give their Tributes to the departed.
The children from Barr. Peace Oyesimisola Diya the first to Dr. Tunde Diya the last born were called to give Tributes to their father while some read the Bible Lessons of the Service.
In his Tribute, His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu of Lagos described him as a soldiers soldier, a man who trained (mentioning the names of the children one after the other) his children to stardom, an action which he said was a good thing.
Governor Sanwo-olu encouraged the children to continue on the right path their father had elaborated for them. He emphasized Gen. Diya as one who came and left gallantly as soldiers soldier.
Most of the departed close friends for few and far decades came forward too to give their knowledge about his travails in the hands of the Former Head of Junta, Gen. Sani Abacha who developed hatred for rendering assistances and escaping routes to those he detested and wanted to eradicate like providing a helicopter to Late Chief MKO Abiola to escape to any destination of his choice. But Chief MKO Abiola was wrongly advised by the Elders not to leave which he too wrongly accepted and at the end led to his death.
There were various attestations to numerous elevations, good recommendations and life turning assistance he gave while alive. “If you went to his home in tears, you will come out rejoicing because he was magnanimous”.
The Service of Songs, divinely melodious was performed by the Muson Choir led by Sir Emeka Nwokedi.
The Bishop of the Southwest Anglican Diocese led other Men of God from various Churches to offer prayers.
Present were Gen. Diya nuclear family members; His spouce Otunba (Mrs.) Josephine Diya who was seated to receive the guests; Relatives; H.E. Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu of Lagos; Representative of Secretary to Federal Government, H.E. Sen. George Akume; Commodore Ebitu Ukiwe; Retired Servicemen; Chief Anthony Adefuye and many other numerous dignitaries.
May the soul of an Icon of Humanity and Divinely elevated rest in perfect peace.
Reports by:
Deacon Stanley Davies Olunogun
BabaPress/Onigege-Ara
For Dr. Tunde Diya Foundation & Yellow Initiatives
