Lt.-Gen. Oladipo Diya, the late former Chief of General Staff and second in command to military dictator Sani Abacha, will be buried on July 29, 2023.
WITHIN NIGERIA reports that Diya’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Olawale Adekoya, announced this in a statement in Lagos on Wednesday.
Adekoya revealed that the funeral rites would begin on July 26, 2023, with a Night of Tributes, followed by a service of songs and a Christian wake on July 27 and 28, respectively.
It was learned that the late Diya’s funeral would take place in his country home of Odogbolu, Ogun State.
The final burial rites will hold on July 29 with the church service, interment, reception and final laying to rest, while the thanksgiving service will hold on July 30.
Further details will be made available in due course, Adekoya said.
President Muhammadu Buhari previously stated that Oladipo Diya was known for his brilliance, exceptional organizational skills, and discipline.
The President stated in a statement issued by his media aide, Femi Adesina, that Diya demonstrated the aforementioned virtues in the important roles he held in office as a military officer.
Buhari praised General Diya for his daring and courageous military career and dedicated service to the country as General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Commandant, of National War College (1991-1993), Chief of Defence Staff, and Military Governor of Ogun State from January 1984 to August 1985.
The President praised the former Chief of General Staff for his love, belief, and loyalty to the country he cherished, and for fighting gallantly on the frontlines to preserve its unity.
Buhari, who expressed sadness over Diya’s death, extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the Federal Government and the people of Nigeria to the late retired general’s family, friends, and colleagues.
He prayed that General Diya’s soul rests in peace with his Creator and that his contributions to the nation be remembered forever.