President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) mourned the passing of Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya on Sunday, March 26 2023. Diya, who served as Chief of General Staff from 1993 to 1997 and as Vice Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council in 1994 under the Abacha regime, was hailed “for his love, belief and loyalty to the country.” The President added that “his contributions to the nation will never be forgotten.”
A statement signed by Buhari’s spokesman, Femi Adesina, read: “Diya was known for his brilliance, exceptional organisational skills and discipline, and he displayed these virtues in the important roles he held in office as a military officer.” The tribute, titled *President Buhari pays tribute to General Diya*, was released on Sunday afternoon.
Lt. Gen. Oladipo Diya, 79, died in the early hours of Sunday, as announced by his son, Oyesinmilola Diya. The family’s announcement stated: “On behalf of the entire Diya family home and abroad, we announce the passing to glory of our dear husband, father, grandfather, brother, Lt‑General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya (retd). Our dear daddy passed on to glory in the early hours of March 26, 2023. Please keep us in your prayers as we mourn his demise. Further announcements will be made public in due course.”
Born on April 3, 1944, at Odogbolu in Ogun State, Diya joined the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna and fought during the Nigerian Civil War. He was appointed Chief of General Staff in 1993 and Vice Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council in 1994, serving as second‑in‑command and the de facto vice president of Nigeria under General Sani Abacha from 1994 to 1997.
Adesina noted that the President praised Diya’s bold and courageous military career, highlighting his service as General Officer Commanding the 82 Division, Commandant of the National War College (1991–1993), Chief of Defence Staff, and Military Governor of Ogun State from January 1984 to August 1985. “The President recalls that Diya was known for his brilliance, exceptional organisational skills and discipline, and he displayed these virtues in the important roles he held in office as a military officer,” the statement said.
President Buhari sent heartfelt condolences to Diya’s family, friends and colleagues on behalf of the Federal Government, praying that General Diya’s soul finds rest with his Creator and that his contributions to the nation never be forgotten.
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