President Bola Tinubu has officially written to the Senate, requesting the confirmation of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
In a statement released on Friday, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed that the President’s action aligns with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the Armed Forces Act.
“President Bola Tinubu has sent a letter to the Senate seeking confirmation of Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede’s appointment as the substantive Chief of Army Staff,” Onanuga stated. “In the letter, President Tinubu requests Oluyede’s confirmation in accordance with Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act.”
Lieutenant General Oluyede was appointed Acting Chief of Army Staff on October 30, following the illness of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja. General Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5, was laid to rest in Abuja.
President Tinubu expressed confidence in Oluyede’s leadership abilities, professional integrity, and experience in guiding the Nigerian Army to enhance national security and stability.
“President Tinubu is confident that Lt. General Oluyede possesses the leadership qualities, professional integrity, and experience to lead the army and inspire its personnel toward achieving national security and stability,” Onanuga added.
Prior to his appointment as Acting COAS, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992 and rose to the rank of Major General in 2020.
Over the years, Oluyede has held several key command positions, including Platoon Commander at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School. He also participated in several significant military operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.
General Oluyede’s exemplary service has earned him numerous honors, including the Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, Membership in the National Institute, Field Command Medal, and Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award, among others.
Oluyede is married with three children.
