President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has named Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS). This decision comes as the current COAS, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, remains indisposed.
Major General Oluyede, who previously served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps based in Jaji, Kaduna, is set to assume this crucial role during Lt. General Lagbaja’s absence. The 56-year-old officer has a distinguished military career and is a coursemate of Lagbaja, having both graduated from the 39th Regular Course.
Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, Oluyede has progressively advanced through the ranks, achieving the rank of Major General in September 2020. His extensive experience includes commanding various units and operations, such as the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) in Liberia and Operation HADIN KAI in Nigeria’s northeast.
“Major General Oluyede’s extensive background and proven leadership in critical operations make him an excellent choice to lead the Army during this period,” said Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu.
Throughout his career, Oluyede has been recognized with numerous honors for his exemplary service, including the Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award. He is also noted for his leadership capabilities, having commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade during high-stakes operations.
Oluyede is married and a father of three, marking a new chapter in his already illustrious career as he steps into this acting role.
