by Godwin Orozo, (Abuja)
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Major General Oluyede will serve in the role temporarily, pending the return of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, the substantive Chief of Army Staff, who is currently indisposed.
“Major General Oluyede brings a wealth of experience to this position, and the President has full confidence in his ability to lead the Army in this interim capacity,” said Onanuga.
Oluyede, 56, is no stranger to leadership within the Nigerian Army, having recently served as the 56th Commander of the prestigious Infantry Corps, based in Jaji, Kaduna.
A coursemate and colleague of General Lagbaja from the 39th Regular Course, Oluyede was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, with his service formally counted from 1987. He achieved the rank of Major General in September 2020.
Throughout his career, General Oluyede has held multiple key command positions, including Platoon Commander and adjutant at the 65 Battalion, Company Commander at the 177 Guards Battalion, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
Oluyede’s operational record includes participation in several notable military operations, such as 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, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.
For his dedication and service, General Oluyede has received numerous honors, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award. He is also a graduate of the National Institute.
Oluyede is married and has three children.
