By Abiola Olawale
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday announced the appointment of Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff, prompting many to inquire who is the new acting Army Chief.
Recall that his appointment in acting capacity was announced via a press statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga explained that Oluyede will act as the COAS until the return of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is said to be indisposed and is receiving treatment abroad.
The statement reads in part: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
“Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.”
General Oluyede’s Background.,,
The New Diplomat reports that until his recent appointment, Oluyede held the position of the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, located in Jaji, Kaduna.
Oluyede, 56 years old, is a coursemate of Lagbaja, and both individuals are alumni of the 39th Regular Course.
He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, with an effective date of 1987. Oluyede ascended to the rank of Major-General in September 2020.
Oluyede has held many commands since his commissioning as an officer. He was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer Guards Brigade, Commandant Amphibious Training School.
General Oluyede participated in several 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 of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade.
Oluyede has earned many honours for his meritorious service in various fields of operations. These include the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, Passing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute.
Oluyede’s appointment as Acting COAS comes after the Nigerian Army declared that Lagbaja is on leave.
There have been speculations about the state of health of Lagbaja, who the military headquarters said is abroad for medical treatment.
