President Bola Tinubu has decorated the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Olufemi Oluyede, with a higher rank of Lieutenant General. The promotion comes just days after his appointment as the acting army chief.
If confirmed by the Senate, Oluyede will be formally appointed as the substantive Chief of Army Staff, permanently replacing Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja. The acting COAS was promoted from the rank of Major General to Lieutenant General shortly after being appointed by the President.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga made the announcement on October 30, 2024, following weeks of speculation and rumors about the alleged death of Army Chief Lagbaja. However, the Defence Headquarters quickly denied the rumors, stating that Lagbaja was on leave and in good health.
“Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja,” Onanuga said in a statement.
Prior to his appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Nigerian Army’s elite Infantry Corps, based in Jaji, Kaduna. The 56-year-old officer is a coursemate of Lt-Gen Lagbaja, both having been members of the 39th Regular Course. Oluyede was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1992, though his service officially began in 1987. He was promoted to Major General in September 2020.
Throughout his military career, Oluyede has held numerous commands. These include Platoon Commander and Adjutant at the 65 Battalion, Company Commander at the 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
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He has also participated in various military operations, 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, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.
Oluyede has earned numerous honours for his service, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, and recognition for passing the Staff Course. He is also a member of the National Institute.
