Retired Lieutenant-General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya, who served as Chief of Staff in General Sani Abacha‘s military regime, passed away at the age of 78.
Diya, who also served as a military administrator of Ogun State and was a lawyer, died in the early hours of Sunday, March 26, 2023, according to a statement released by Barrister Prince Oyesinmilola Diya on behalf of the family. Born on April 3, 1944, Diya held various high-ranking military positions, including GOC of the 82 Division, before eventually becoming the Chief of General Staff (military Vice President) to Gen Sani Abacha. “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 (Rtd) GCON, LLB, BL, PSC, FSS, mni. 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,” the statement reads.