Lt-General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya (retd), former Chief of General Staff in General Sani Abacha’s military junta, has died.
Prince Oyesinmilola Diya confirmed his death. He stated that the former military administrator of Ogun State died in the early hours of March 26, 2023.
Diya, who was born on April 3, 1944, was the military governor of Ogun State following the Buhari-Idiagbon coup of December 31, 1983.
Diya enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in Kaduna and fought in the Nigerian Civil War.
Later, he attended the United States Army School of Infantry, the Command and Staff College in Jaji (1980-1981), and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies in Kuru.
Diya studied law while serving in the military, first at Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria, where he earned an LLB, and then at the Nigerian Law School, where he was admitted to the bar as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
He held other high-ranking military positions, GOC of the 82nd Division and finally Chief of General Staff (military Vice President) to Gen. Sani Abacha.
According to the statement:
“On behalf of the entire Diya family, both at home and abroad, we announce the passing to Glory of our dear Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Brother, Lt-General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya (Rtd) GCON, LLB, BL, PSC, FSS, mni.
“Our dear Daddy went to glory in the early hours of March 26th, 2023. Please keep us in your prayers during this difficult time as we mourn his passing. Additional announcements will be made in due course.
“On behalf of the family, Barrister Prince Oyesinmilola Diya.”