Former Chief of General Staff under Sani Abacha, the late head of state, Oladipo Diya, has passed away at the age of 79. Diya, a retired Lt. General, died in the early hours of March 26, according to a statement released by his son, Prince Oyesinmilola Diya.
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.”
Diya was arrested in 1997 for plotting a coup d’etat against his principal, Abacha, and was charged with treason, which carries a death sentence. In 1999, the death sentence was commuted to 25 years imprisonment. He was later freed and granted state pardon.
Business Day extends its condolences to the Diya family during this difficult time.
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