Renowned military figure and former Chief of General Staff to military dictator Sani Abacha, Oladipo Diya, has passed away at the age of 79. Diya served as Chief of General Staff from 1994 to 1997, during which he made significant contributions to the Nigerian military. However, he was later accused of planning to overthrow Abacha’s regime, which led to his arrest and imprisonment in 1997.
Despite being tried in a military tribunal and sentenced to death, his sentence was overturned after Abacha’s death in 1998. Diya was a man of many talents. He served as the Military Governor of Ogun State from January 1984 to August 1985.
The Military General had lost his wife, Madam Deborah Folashade, in 2020 and now has joined in her death three years later, to the dismay of the family.
The Diya family released a statement announcing his passing on March 26, 2023. In the statement, Barrister Prince Oyesinmilola Diya said,
“On behalf of the whole 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 March 26 2023. Please keep us in your prayers as we mourn his passing in this period.
Further announcements will be made public in due course.”
The passing of Oladipo Diya is a significant loss to his family and the entire nation of Nigeria. His contributions to the military will always be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
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