GENERAL Oladipo Diya, former Chief of General Staff (CGS), is dead, his family disclosed on Sunday, March 26.

His death was announced in a statement issued by his son, Prince Oyesinmilola Diya.

“On behalf of the entire Diya family, both at home and abroad, we announce the passing on to Glory of our dear Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Brother, Lt. General Donaldson Oladipo Oyeyinka Diya (retd).

“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 read.

Diya served under the late Head of State, General Sani Abacha.

He was born on April 3, 1944 at Odogbolu in Ogun State.

He joined the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna and fought during the Nigerian Civil War.

He was appointed CGS in 1993 and Vice Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council in 1994.

As CGS, Diya was second in command and the de facto vice president of Nigeria under Abacha from 1994.