General Oladipo Diya (retd.) was a former Chief of General Staff who died in the early hours of Sunday, March 26, 2023. The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, announced that Diya will receive a state burial. Abiodun made the announcement on Monday while paying a condolence visit to the Lagos residence of the former military governor of Ogun State.
The governor described Diya’s life as impactful and worthy of emulation, calling his death a great loss to Ogun State and to the nation. He noted that Ogun’s history would be incomplete without Diya, adding, “General Diya was a man of many parts. His life epitomised integrity and character. He was a soldier and gentleman, a lawyer with an eventful career. He rose to the peak of his career as the Chief of General Staff.”
Abiodun led a delegation from the state, comprising members of the State Executive Council, and said the council would form a committee to liaise with Diya’s family and ensure a befitting burial. While praying for the repose of Diya’s soul, the newly re‑elected governor urged the family not to grieve, emphasizing that Diya had impacted his generation and had now gone home to rest with his Lord.
Responding on behalf of the family, one of Diya’s sons, Oyedamola, thanked the governor for his concern. Diya was appointed Chief of General Staff in 1993 and Vice Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council in 1994. As Chief of the General Staff, he was second in command and the de facto vice president of Nigeria under General Sani Abacha from 1994. Born on April 3, 1944 in Odogbolu, Ogun State, Diya died on March 26, 2023 at the age of 78.
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