He was a gallant soldier who his friends called “Soldier of soldiers” and a Man with nine lives. Gen. Diya started his rich and full life on 3rd April, 1944 which came gloriously to end on 26th March, 2023 after spending Seventy Nine remarkable years on mother earth.
At this passage, Lt. Gen. Donalson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya, GCON, Asiwaju of Odogbolu and former second-in-Command of Nigeria to the maximum Ruler, Gen. Sani Abacha; his family, friends, religious body, associates, governments, politicians and other representative bodies home and abroad gave befitting burial with pump and pageantry which spanned 23rd July – 1st August 2023 from Lagos to his hometown Odogbolu in Odogbolu Local Government, Ogun State.
On 26th March, 2024 marked a year of his passage and his esteemed family gathered other families, friends, religious leaders and associates to remember this illustrious son of Odogbolu who had served his people in particular and Nigerians in general with utmost dedications.
The Service of Thanksgiving was officiated by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Babatunde F.R. Ogunbanwo, Bishop of Ijebu South-West Diocese of Anglican Church and the Bishop of the Methodist Cathedral Church, Abule-Ijesha, Lagos who came with three of his Clergymen to Odogbolu.
Prayers were offered for Otunba Josephine Diya his widow; the children; the Church of God in Odogbolu; Ogun State Governor; Nigeria Government and generality of attendees.
In the homily, Bishop Babatunde Ogunbanwo tagged “When I Remember, I give Thanks”. He supported his assertions from the Holy Bible on why one has to remember and after the remembrance what one has to do which he said depended on the characters of who has been remembered.
He said further, that the actions which usually follow any remembrance would either be of joy or sorrow.
Continuing, Bishop Babatunde Ogunbanwo informed that the remembrance of Lt. Gen. Donalson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya, GCON would be nothing but of joy judging by his actions of doggedness, resilience and diligence to his duties, services faithfully to the nation, friends, the Church of God, etc. He noted that for anyone in his shoes, if not earthly celebrated would be Heavenly celebrated. He ended with lots of admonitions to the immediate family including to continue with the love, family altar worshipping laid by the Patriarch and revert to the Church if they encounter any problems.
The service ended with family Thanksgiving dance to the altar and benediction offered followed by massive entertainments of the guests.
Notably present were Members of the Diya family; Bishop Babatunde Ogunbanwo and the Clergies from Lagos and Odogbolu; Bashorun Fatai Arobieke; Senator Anthony Adefuye, the intimate friend of Gen. Diya; Senator Iyabo Anisulowo; Chief Mrs. Apampa; Chief Onafowokan; Chief Okenla; Chief Mr. Ahonsi; Chief Mrs. Elegbede; Chief Ganiu Odunlami; Hon. Femi Ogunbanwo (Omo-Iwa); Hon Obafemi Onakoya; Dr. Ololade Adekoya; Hon. Semiu Bola (SEMBOL); Omooba Abiola Ogundeko; Colonel Akintounde (rtd); Mrs. Kemi Osinowo; Mrs. Joyce Osibanjo; Mr. Wilbert Masemigbe; Prince Olukoya H. Olugbenga; Mr. Yomi Omolewu; Prince Olusiji Aderibigbe; Engr. Tunde Ogunde; Capt. Sunny Adegbuyi; Wards Chairmen of Odogbolu Local Government; Mrs. Oyinkansola Cole; Ven. O.O. Awoyungbo, Dean of the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Odogbolu; Members of the Press and Cameramen and many other dignitaries too numerous to mention here.
