By Uche Amunike
President Bola Tinubu has announced the appointment of Major Gen. Olufemi Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff.
This disclosure was made by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, who stated that Major Oluyede would act in his capacity as Chief of Staff, until Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is currently abroad for his medical treatment, returns.
Speaking through a statement released, Wednesday, by Onanuga, he explained that the 56 year old Oluyede was appointed as COAS by President Tinubu, on a temporally basis, pending the return of the substantive COAS on medical leave, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja.
Hear him: ‘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.’
Before his appointment, Major Gen. Olufemi Oluyede was the 56th Commander of the Elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, which is located in Jaji, Kaduna. He shares a long history with Lagbaja as they are both members of the 39th Regular Course and were commissioned as officers in 1987, even as Oluyede was promoted to Major General in 2020.
His career has been extensive, as it includes several command roles, starting as a Platoon Commander and Adjutant at 65 Battalion, then advancing to Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion and eventually serving as a Staff Officer at the Guards Brigade and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
He has taken part in several significant operations, which include the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi and very recently, Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast, where he commanded the 27th Task Force Brigade.
Over the years, Major General Oluyede has received numerous honors, which include the Corps Medal of Honor, recognition for passing the Staff Course, the Grand Service Star, and membership in the National Institute, affirming his dedication and achievements in various fields of service.
Speculations have been rife, concerning the state of health of Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, who the military headquarters had confirmed is abroad for medical treatment. His continued absence led to rumors that he had died. However, the military authorities have denied the news, stating that he is hale and hearty and is just away to observe his annual leave for medical reasons.
Major Gen. Olufemi Oluyede is known for his leadership style, which focuses on discipline, operational efficiency and a vested interest in the welfare of his troops. He is also very committed to the improvement of the ability of the Nigerian army to respond to modern security challenges, especially in the areas of counter-insurgency and military readiness.
He is happily married with three children and has maintained a close relationship with his family, notwithstanding his demanding military career. He is known for being dedicated to striking a balance between his personal and professional life.
