PUNCH
Dr Babatunde Diya, a son of a former Chief of Defence Staff, the late Lt-Gen. Oladipo Diya, speaks about the life and times of his father in this interview with SEGUN ADEWOLE
What were the last moments of your dad like?
The last moments were moments of him being very close to God, attending the church he set up in Abule Ijesha and the other branches in Idi Iroko and of course the church in Odogbolu, the Cathedral of St Paul. He was also dedicated to making sure that many Nigerians got a proper education. So, those were the final moments and of course. He was closer to home, closer to his children and wife, and his extended family.
Can you describe to us what the mood of the family is right now?
The family is in a sober mood and at the same time in a joyous and grateful mood because his life was one well-spent. He lived his life meritoriously. He lived his life with dignity, and he served the country with all passion and dedication. So, we are grateful to God and we are happy.
What does the family consider as his most important legacies and how will he be missed?
What I would consider his best legacy is that he was very particular about honesty. So many elder statesmen and public officeholders referred to him as the incorruptible leader. I think this is very key to the general public in Nigeria because if you look at the present situation of the country, even President Muhammadu Buhari is fighting against corruption and his anti-corruption drive is very alive. Handing over to President-elect Bola Tinubu will be a continuous drive to end corruption. So, his legacies included a dedication to public service and serving the people.
Who are some of the prominent Nigerians that have reached out to the family since the news broke, given your dad’s prominent place in the country’s political landscape?
Former military administrators and governors of Ogun State; current leadership of Governance Advisory Council to Lagos State; and a former minister of steel. They have all come physically. General Buba Marwa is out of the country but he sent a delegation from the Zonal command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and he promised that once he touches down, he would come and visit. The current Governor of Ogun State, Mr Dapo Abiodun, just left right now after his visit to pay his condolence to the family. About four current serving commissioners in Ogun State also came physically to commiserate with the family. Right now, in the General’s residence in Adekunle Fajuyi in GRA, we still have a lot of people coming in to lay their last respect.
