President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) while awaiting the return of the substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is currently indisposed.
A statement issued on Wednesday by Tinubu’s media aide, Bayo Onanuga said Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
Prior to this new role, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.
At 56 years old, Major General Oluyede has a long-standing history with the Nigerian Army. He and General Lagbaja are both alumni of the 39th Regular Course, having trained together as they embarked on their military careers. Oluyede was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, with his effective date dating back to 1987. He rose to Major-General in September 2020.
Throughout his military career, Oluyede has held numerous command positions. His early roles included serving as Platoon Commander and Adjutant at the 65 Battalion, followed by his position as Company Commander at the 177 Guards Battalion. He also served as a Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade and as Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
Oluyede participated in significant missions both domestically and internationally. Notably, he served in the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia, where he contributed to peacekeeping efforts. He also played a key role in Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi and commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade during Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations.
Major General Oluyede has received numerous honours for his contributions across various fields of military operations. His accolades include the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, and recognition for passing the Staff Course. Additionally, he is a member of the National Institute.
Other commendations include the Field Command Medal, the Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Field Training Medal. He also received the prestigious Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.
Major General Oluyede is married and is a father of three.
