General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya, the late former chief of general staff to the late military dictator General Sani Abacha, passed away four months ago after a brief illness. His remains were finally laid to rest last weekend in his hometown of Odogbolu, Ogun State. There was a week-long event that ended with a state funeral. On July 23, 2023, a Service of Songs and Night of Tribute marked the start of the events. At the United African Methodist Evangelical Church Cathedral in Ijesha, Yaba, Lagos, there was a commendation service held afterward.
The deceased’s body was laid to rest in his Lagos home at Adekunle Fajuyi Way, Ikeja GRA, two days before it left Odogbolu. Many people defied the rain to attend the second service of songs held at the Defacto Vice President’s country estate in Odogbolu. There was strong representation from every government security branch.
The weeklong activity climaxed with the final burial rites and interment on Saturday, July 29, 2023, where he was given a massive state burial after the funeral service at the Cathedral Church of Saint Paul, Odogbolu. His body was committed to mother earth in a mausoleum specially built in his honour.
Beside the presence of high-ranking military officers in attendance, General Abdulsalami Abubakar ( retd.) was present at the event. Some others who made it to the church service were Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun and his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele. Others were Adenike Akande, Jide Fadairo, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Ogun government officials, federal lawmakers, former military administrators, and captains of industry.
Shortly after, a massive carnival-like reception took place at the open field of the state’s grammar school. While veteran comedian, Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome aka Alibaba was the master of ceremony, Yinka Aiyefele was the choice musician who kept guests gyrating to his music. Before his appointment by Abacha, Diya was the military governor of Ogun State from January 1984 to August 1985. Diya is survived by his first wife, Josephine Diya, several children and numerous grandchildren.
