‘Abacha Coup’: We prayed, went traditional for my father’s release — Diya’s son

The news of coup accusations against Lieutenant-General Oladipo Diya (retd), who served as former Chief of General Staff (CGS) under the Abacha administration, was described as a rude shock which threw the family into grief. 

Dr Babatunde Diya, the last son of the deceased former CGS, who died March 26, narrated the family’s experience and reaction following his trial which resulted in jail. 

Diya, in an interview with Vanguard, narrated how the military officers ransacked the Lagos home of the former Ogun State Military Administrator, following his arrest.

Discussing the steps taken by the family to save the deceased former CGS, Diya’s son explained how they were only left with prayers, including traditional rites for his safety and release. 

“We kept praying, particularly the people of Odogbolu. The people of Odogbolu and us stood firmly with prayers, even with traditional rites. So, those who had faith in God focused on God and prayed because there was nothing we could do. We couldn’t go and attack the Federal Government. Among those who stood solidly behind him, the people of Odogbolu played an active role. They weren’t just saying he was their son, they prayed and did traditional rites to make sure he came back safely to us,” he recalled.

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