Tinubu promotes acting COAS Oluyede.
President Bola Tinubu promoted Olufemi Oluyede, the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), to Lieutenant General rank.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga acknowledged the development, which occurred in the president’s office.
If ratified by the Senate, Oluyede will take over as the substantive army chief, permanently replacing Lagbaja.
Days after the President appointed him as acting army head, the acting COAS was promoted from Major General to Lieutenant General.
According to reports, the president stated, “It is both an honour and a privilege to decorate you today.”
“This honour recognises your dedication and service to the Nigerian military, which speaks volumes about your exceptional record.
“We recognise all that you have been doing to ensure the country is safe and stable,” the leader responded.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede, for his part, expressed heartfelt gratitude and recognised the significance of the occasion. He underlined his commitment to carrying out Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja’s vision and safeguarding national peace.
Onanuga confirmed Oluyede’s appointment on October 30, 2024, following the rumoured death of army leader Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. The Defence Headquarters has now rejected rumours of Lagbaja’s death, stating that he is on leave.
“Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja,” Onanuga stated in an email.
Until his assignment, Oluyede was the 56th Commander of the Nigerian Army’s elite Infantry Corps, stationed in Jaji, Kaduna.
Oluyede and Lagbaja, both 56, were coursemates in the 39th Regular Course.
He obtained his appointment as a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987. He advanced to Major-General in September 2020.
Oluyede has had numerous commands after being commissioned as an officer. He was Platoon Commander and Adjutant of the 65th Battalion, Company Commander of the 177th Guards Battalion, Staff Officer of the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
General Oluyede took part in various missions, 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 theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade.
Oluyede has received numerous awards for his outstanding performance in various domains of business. These include the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, successful completion of the staff training, and participation in the National Institute.