President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the National Assembly to confirm the appointment of Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.
This development was disclosed in letters sent today to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
The request aligns with the provisions of Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act.
The President highlighted his confidence in Oluyede’s leadership skills, professional integrity, and extensive experience, which he believes will effectively guide the Nigerian Army in ensuring national security and stability.
Lt. General Oluyede has been serving as Acting Chief of Army Staff since October 30, 2024, following the health challenges of the then Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja. Tragically, General Lagbaja passed away on November 5, 2024, leaving a significant leadership gap in the Nigerian Army.
Lt. General Oluyede, a distinguished member of the 39th Regular Course, has a decorated military career that spans over three decades.
Before his appointment as Acting Chief of Army Staff, he served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, headquartered in Jaji, Kaduna.
He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, with an effective seniority date of 1987, and was promoted to the rank of Major General in September 2020.
Throughout his career, Oluyede has held numerous key positions in the military. 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.
His operational experience is extensive, having participated in critical missions such as the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North-East, where he led the 27 Task Force Brigade.
For his outstanding service, Lt. General Oluyede has received numerous military honors, including the Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award, Field Command Medal, and the coveted Membership of the National Institute.
President Tinubu’s nomination underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring stability within the armed forces.
If confirmed, Oluyede will bring exceptional leadership to the Nigerian Army, continuing his legacy of professionalism and dedication.
Lt. General Oluyede is married and blessed with three children.
