Tinubu seeks Senate confirmation for Lt. Gen. Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm the appointment of Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.

This was disclosed on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayou Onanuga, in a statement.  

The President explained that the move complies with Nigerian laws, following the death of the former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5, 2024.  

The statement reads:  

“President Bola Tinubu has sent a letter to the Senate seeking confirmation of Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.  

“In the letter sent today, President Tinubu seeks Oluyede’s confirmation in accordance with Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act.  

“President Tinubu appointed Oluyede as Acting Chief of Army Staff on October 30 following the illness of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja. Sadly, General Lagbaja passed away shortly after.  

“President Tinubu is confident in the leadership qualities, professional integrity, and extensive experience of Lt. Gen. Oluyede to effectively lead the Nigerian Army in ensuring national security and stability.”  

The statement highlighted Oluyede’s illustrious career. Before his appointment as Acting COAS, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna.

Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992 (effective from 1987), he rose to the rank of Major-General in September 2020.  

Oluyede has held various key command positions, including Platoon Commander at the 65 Battalion, Company Commander at the 177 Guards Battalion, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.

He also participated in significant operations, such as the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, where he led the 27 Task Force Brigade.  

His exemplary service has earned him numerous honors, including the Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, Field Command Medals, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award. He is also a member of the National Institute and has been recognized for his expertise with various military distinctions.  

Lt. Gen. Oluyede is married and has three children.