ABUJA: President Bola Tinubu has officially requested the Senate’s confirmation of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff (COAS), following his appointment as acting COAS last month.
In a statement issued by Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga on Friday, the request is in line with the constitutional and legal requirements for such appointments. “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 said. The letter was submitted to the Senate in accordance with Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act.
Lieutenant General Oluyede, who was appointed Acting COAS on October 30, 2024, following the illness of his predecessor, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, became the acting head of the Army after General Lagbaja’s death on November 5, 2024.
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President Tinubu expressed confidence in Oluyede’s leadership capabilities, stating that his extensive experience and professional integrity would enable him to lead the army in ensuring national security and stability.
Before becoming acting COAS, Oluyede was the 56th Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1992 and reached the rank of Major General by September 2020. Throughout his career, he has held various command positions, including Platoon Commander, Company Commander, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
Oluyede has participated in several significant operations, such as the 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.
Throughout his military service, Oluyede has earned several honors, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, the Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.
Oluyede is married with three children and is highly regarded for his dedication to service and his ability to lead in challenging situations.
