On March 26, 2023, Lieutenant General Oladipo Diya passed away, and President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) expressed his condolences. Diya, who served as Chief of General Staff from 1993 to 1997 and Vice Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council in 1994 under the Abacha regime, was remembered for his love, belief, and loyalty to the country, as well as his significant contributions to the nation.
According to a statement by Buhari’s spokesman, Femi Adesina, Diya was known for his brilliance, exceptional organizational skills, and discipline, which he displayed during his time as a military officer. Diya’s son, Oyesinmilola Diya, announced his father’s passing, and further details will be made public later.
Diya was born on April 3, 1944, in Odogbolu, Ogun State, and attended the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna. He fought in the Nigerian Civil War and was later 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 to 1997.
President Buhari paid tribute to Diya’s bold and courageous career in the Nigeria military, his dedicated service to the country as General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Commandant, National War College (1991–1993), Chief of Defence Staff, and Military Governor of Ogun State from January 1984 to August 1985. The President also expressed his gratitude for Diya’s love, belief, and loyalty to Nigeria, which he fought bravely to defend.
He sent his heartfelt condolences to Diya’s family, friends, and colleagues on behalf of the Federal Government and prayed that Diya’s soul finds rest with his Creator, and his contributions to the nation are never forgotten.
The statement from Buhari’s office was titled ‘President Buhari pays tribute to General Diya.’
