Eko Hot Blog reports that retired Lieutenant General, Oladipo Diya, has died.
He was 78.
His family announced his demise in a statement signed and released by Oyesinmilola Diya Sunday morning.
The family disclosed that Diya, who served as the Chief of General Staff to former Head of State Sani Abacha between 1994 and 1997, died in the early hours of Sunday.
They urged Nigerians to keep them in their prayers as they mourn the loss.
“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,” the statement reads.
“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.”
Late Oladipo Diya in military uniform
The late general was arrested and sentenced to death for alleged treason in 1997 after he allegedly joined other dissident soldiers in the military to plan an overthrow of the Abacha regime.
The alleged coup was uncovered by forces loyal to Abacha, and Diya and his cohorts were jailed.
Diya was tried in a military tribunal and was given the death penalty.
Upon the death of Abacha in 1998, Diya was pardoned by the late Head of State’s successor, Abdusalami Abubakar.
The late general was not only released but also discharged from the army, stripped of his rank, and barred from using his military title.
Before the late soldier’s appointment as Chief of General Staff in 1994, he was Military Governor of Ogun State from January 1984 to August 1985.
Diya was also General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigeria Army, in 1985, going on to become the Commandant, National War College (1991–1993).
The late general was appointed as the Vice Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council in 1994, making him the de facto Vice President of Nigeria during the Abacha military junta.
On May 18, 2020, he lost his second wife Folashade Diya to COVID-19 complications, a few days before her 65th birthday.
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