Oladipo Diya, Abacha’s ex-No 2, is dead

Oladipo Diya, retired general and former second-in-command to Gen Sani Abacha, has died at the age of 79.

Oyesinmilola Diya, in a statement signed on behalf of the family, said Diya died in the early hours of Sunday.

“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,” the statement reads.

“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 served as the chief of general staff and defacto second-in-command to former head of state Sani Abacha between 1994 and 1997.

He was arrested and sentenced to death for alleged treason in 1997.

Diya was tried in a military tribunal where he was given the death penalty.

Abacha died before Diya’s execution date and the administration of Abdulsalami Abubakar commuted the sentence and the general was released.

During his time in the army, Diya also served as chief of defence staff and was the military governor of Ogun state from January 1984 to August 1985.