Former Nigeria’s chief of general staff and defence chief Lt. Gen Oladipo Diya has died, his family said on Sunday.
He was 79.
The death of General Sanni Abacha’s deputy was announced in a statement by his son, Oyesinmilola Diya who said “On behalf of the entire Diya family, both at home and abroad, we announce the passing on to Glory of our dear Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Brother, Lt. General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya (retd)”.
“Our dear Daddy passed onto glory in the early hours of 26th March 2023. Please keep us in your prayers as we mourn his demise in this period. Further announcements will be made public in due course.”
Diya was appointed the chief of general staff and vice chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council under the military regime of Gen Sani Abacha, to whom he was the de facto deputy head of state.
Read full text of the message by Prince Oyesinmilola Diya
On behalf of the entire Diya family home and abroad; We announce the passing on to Glory of our dear Husband,Father, Grandfather,brother, Lt- General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya (Rtd) GCON, LLB, BL, PSC, FSS, mni.
Our dear Daddy passed onto glory in the early hours of 26th March 2023.
Please keep us in your prayers as we mourn his demise in this period. Further announcements will be made public in due course.
Barrister Prince Oyesinmilola Diya, on behalf of the family.
