President Bola Tinubu has written to the Senate, requesting the confirmation of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga stated that the President’s action aligns with the nation’s legal framework.
“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 in a statement on Friday.
“In the letter, President Tinubu seeks Oluyede’s confirmation in accordance with Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act.”
Oluyede was appointed Acting Chief of Army Staff on 30th October, following the illness of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja. General Lagbaja passed away on 5th November and has since been buried in Abuja.
“President Tinubu is confident in Lieutenant General Oluyede’s leadership qualities, professional integrity, and experience to lead and inspire the army, ensuring national security and stability,” Onanuga added.
Lieutenant General Oluyede, who has received numerous honours for his service to the nation, previously served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army in Jaji, Kaduna, before his appointment as Acting COAS.
Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, with effect from 1987, Oluyede rose to the rank of Major General in September 2020. Throughout his career, he has held various command positions, including:
- Platoon Commander and Adjutant at 65 Battalion
- Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion
- Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade
- Commandant of the Amphibious Training School
He has also participated in major operations, such as:
- The Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia
- Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi
- Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade
In recognition of his service, Oluyede has received several honours, including:
- Corps Medal of Honour
- Grand Service Star
- Staff Course Passing Medal
- Membership in the National Institute
- Field Command Medal
- Field Command Medal of Honour
- Field Training Medal
- Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award
Lieutenant General Oluyede is married and has three children.