Kunle Adelabu
The African Church Lads and Lasses Brigade flags are now flying half mast across the country over the death of the former Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Donaldson Oladipo Diya (rtd), who died earlier today.
The flags will fly half mast for two weeks in honour of Gen. Diya who was the National President, The African Church Lads and Lasses Brigade. He was aged 78.
His death was announced in a statement by his son, Prince Oyesinmilola Diya.
“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”, his son said in the statement that announced Gen. Diya’s death.
“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.”
In a statement signed by the Brigadier General of The African Church Lads and Lasses Brigade, BG. Michael Oluyomi Akinsola, he directed that the flags should fly half mast for two weeks, as a mark of respect to the departed General.
“As a symbol of Honour for our just departed National President, Lt. General Donaldson Oladipo Diya (Rtd). This should be announced at our various churches today”, the statement said.
“Our Flags must be hoisted for two weeks, but on half mast immediately. Presentation of Flags during the church enrollment service should be hang side waist”.
“May his soul rest In peace”.
Speaking with the Assistant Chief Commandant (ACC), Kehinde Adelabu, after the Sunday service at The African Church Bethel Cathedral, Aga, Ikorodu which is also the seat of the Bishop for the Lagos West Missionary Diocese, she described the late General as a father figure who supported and contributed immensely to the development of the Brigade.
“He will be dearly missed by the officers and members of the Lads and Lasses Brigade and The African Church in general, because he was a father, role model and important figure that brought honour to our organisation”, she said.
The former Chief of General Staff was born on April 3, 1944, at Odogbolu in Ogun State.
He was appointed Chief of General Staff in 1993 and Vice Chairman of the Provisional Ruling Council in 1994. As Chief of the General Staff, he was second in command and the de facto vice president of Nigeria under late General Sanni Abacha, in 1994.
Diya joined the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna and fought during the Nigerian Civil War. He later attended the US Army School of Infantry, the Command and Staff College, Jaji (1980–1981) and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru.
During his military service, Diya studied Law at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he obtained an LLB degree, and then at the Nigerian Law School, where he was called to bar as Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
He was Commander 31, Airborne Brigade and appointed Military Governor of Ogun State from January 1984 to August 1985. He became General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigeria Army in 1985. General Oladipo Diya was Commandant, National War College (1991–1993) and then was appointed Chief of Defence Staff.
