Diya’s son: as Awujale saved my father from Abacha

*When others moved away from General Oladipo Diya, Awujale was stopped
– by Hon (Dr.) Tunde Diya

The news of your disappearance has affected not only a pain agreement: he awakened the deepest vaults of memory, honor and gratitude in me.

Kabiyesi, Alayeluwa Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, your transition is not simply the end of a real kingdom; It is the silent of a courageous voice that once spoke for my family when it was very dangerous to do it.

When my father, General Oladipo Diya, was at the crossroads of the persecution during one of the darkest political seasons of Nigeria, many chose silence. Many have moved away. But your majesty, you were stopped.
You have raised your royal voice not please or fame, but for justice, to truth. You have given comfort in a moment of treason, light in an hour of national darkness and protection when the danger has closed. You remembered the world that Ijebu people don’t turn their back on their own.

My family will never forget.

Today, since Mushroom as president of the local government of Odogbolu, I do not only the name of my father, but also the legacy of a king who has it next to us in our greatest process. Your courage has paved the way for our restoration. Your honor has preserved our dignity. Your love has made room for our future.

Kabiyesi, you were more than a monarch; You were a moral compass in a moment of turbulence. You were a shield when the winds howled and a pillar when the roof trembled. Your kingdom has defined the nobility in its highest form, not only in regalia, but in justice.

I cry not only as a subject of ijebuland but as a child whose fate have helped to preserve. I bring that gratitude to my heart and, in my service, I am committed to supporting the values you embodied: justice, truth and loyalty.

Your voice can be firm, but your inheritance touches. Your body can rest, but your spirit is on guard. Iroko has fallen, but its shadow will cover us for generations.

Rest well, Kabiyesi. You stopped for us, now we get up in your honor. On behalf of the Diya family and the people of the local government of Odogbolu, let’s say: Thanks and goodbye, our real father.

*Hon (Dr.) Babunde Oyetola Diya
Executive president
Local government of Odogbolu
Ogun State