Former Chief of Staff, General Oladipo Diya, who served as de facto Vice President to the late General Sani Abacha, died on Sunday.
His death was confirmed by his son, Prince Oyesinmilola Diya.
Diya would go down in the history of Nigeria as one of the famous military generals and vice presidents.
Here are five things to know about the late Oladipo Diya.
1. He was born on Monday, 3 April, 1944 in Odogbolu, Ogun State, then Western Region of Nigeria.
2. He was the Military Governor of Ogun State from January 1984 to August 1985.
3He became General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigeria Army in 1985 and Commandant, National War College (1991–1993).
4. He was the former Chief of General Staff, who served as deputy to the late dictator, Sani Abacha.
5. In 1997 Diya and dissident soldiers in the military allegedly planned to overthrow the regime of Sani Abacha.
The alleged coup was uncovered by forces loyal to Abacha, and Diya and his cohorts were jailed.
You should also read: 5 Things You Don’t Know About Professor Nnenna Oti
Diya was tried in a military tribunal and was given the death penalty.
Upon the death of Abacha in 1998, Diya was pardoned by Abacha’s successor, Abdusalami Abubakar.
