Former Nigerian Deputy Head Of State Gen Diya Dies At 79

Former Nigeria’s chief of general staff and defence chief Lt. Gen Oladipo Diya has died, his family said on Sunday.

He was 79.

“On behalf of the entire Diya family, both at home and abroad, we announce the passing on to Glory of our dear Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Brother, Lt. General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya (retd),” said his son Oyesinmilola Diya in a statement.

“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 appointed the chief of general staff and vice chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council under the military regime of Gen Sani Abacha, to whom he was the de facto deputy head of state.

THEGUARDIAN