Gen. Diya, who served as Chief of General Staff (de facto Vice President of Nigeria) from 1994 to 1997, would have turned 79 on April 3, but gave up the ghost in the early hours of Sunday, March 26.
He previously served as the Chief of Defence Staff and was Military Governor, Ogun State, from January 1984 to August 1985 during the military regime.
In a statement by Kunle Somorin, the governor’s spokesman, Abiodun described the departed Army General as a seasoned administrator, gentleman and officer whose contributions to the development of the security architecture of Nigeria would remain indelible, adding that others carried on where he left off. He said Ogun State would not forget Diya’s role.
Diya’s death was announced in a statement by his son, Prince Oyesinmilola Diya, on Sunday morning.
It read, “On behalf of the entire Diya family home and abroad; we announce the passing on 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 in this period. Further announcements will be made public in due course.”
