PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has promoted the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Olufemi Oluyede, to the rank of Lieutenant General.
Sources within the Villa confirmed this news today.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga later verified that the promotion took place in the President’s office.
If the Senate approves, Oluyede will officially succeed Lagbaja as the permanent army chief.
After being appointed as acting army chief by the President, Oluyede was elevated from the rank of Major General to Lieutenant General just days later.
“It is both an honor and a privilege to decorate you today,” the President remarked.
“This acknowledgment reflects your dedication and service to the Nigerian military, highlighted by your exemplary record.
“We appreciate everything you are doing to ensure the safety and stability of our country,” the President added.
In response, Lt. Gen. Oluyede expressed his deep gratitude and recognized the significance of the occasion. He reiterated his commitment to upholding the vision of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja and maintaining peace throughout the nation.
Onanuga announced Oluyede’s appointment on October 30, 2024, following weeks of speculation regarding the alleged death of army chief Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja. The Defence Headquarters has since dismissed those rumors, confirming that he is currently on leave.
“Oluyede will serve in this role until the return of the substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja,” Onanuga stated.
Before this appointment, Oluyede held the position of the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, located in Jaji, Kaduna.
The 56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja are coursemates who both graduated from the 39th Regular Course.
He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987, and rose to the rank of Major General in September 2020.
Throughout his career, Oluyede has held numerous command positions, including Platoon Commander and adjutant at the 65 Battalion, Company Commander at the 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer for the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
General Oluyede has participated in various 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 northeastern Nigeria, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.
He has received numerous awards for his exemplary service across different operations, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, completion of the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute.