Saraki mourns late Abbacha’s chief of general staff

… Says his contribution to NAF, nation will always be remembered

By Ahmed Ajikobi

Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki has joined other eminent Nigerians to mourn General Oladipo Diya who was the chief of general staff to the late military president, General Sani Abacha, saying  Nigerians have lost one of the greatest leaders the country has ever produced.

 Saraki  in a condolence  posted  on his Facebook account said Diya has played many significant roles in Nigeria.

He said his contribution to the Nigeria Army Forces and his service to the nation will always be remembered.

 “General Oladipo Diya, who served as Nigeria’s de facto Vice President, as the Chief of General Staff under General Sani Abacha, played many significant roles in our nation’s history. His contributions to the Nigerian Armed Forces and his service to the nation will always be remembered.

“As the nation mourns his passing, I extend my condolences to his family, friends, and his associates. I pray that they find solace in the knowledge that he served Nigeria honourably and that his invaluable service to the nation will never be forgotten.” Saraki said.

Diya’s  death was confirmed by Prince Oyesinmilola Diya. He said the former military administrator of Ogun State passed on to glory in the early hours of 26th March 2023.

Born on the 3rd of April 1944, Diya was military Governor of Ogun State after the Buhari-Idiagbon coup of December 31st, 1983.

Diya joined the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna and fought during the Nigerian Civil War.

He later attended the US Army School of Infantry, the Command and Staff College, Jaji (1980–1981) and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru.

While serving in the military, Diya studied law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained an LLB degree, and then at the Nigerian Law School, where he was called to bar as Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

He held other top military posts like GOC, 82 Division and finally the Chief of General Staff (military Vice President) to Gen Sani Abacha

The statement read:

 “On behalf of the entire Diya family at 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”.