Nigerians on Sunday, March 26, woke up to the news of the death of Lt. General Oladipo Diya.
The deceased was a former Chief of General Staff under the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha.
Diya was born on April 3, 1944, at Odogbolu in Ogun state. He was appointed Chief of General Staff in 1993 and Vice Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council in 1994.
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As Chief of the General Staff, he was second in command and the de facto vice president of Nigeria under Abacha from 1994.
The news of his death was announced in a statement by his son, Prince Oyesinmilola Diya.
The younger Diya urged Nigerians to keep the family in prayers as he promised further announcement in due course.
The statement read: “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.”