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On Friday, President Bola Tinubu formally submitted a request to the Senate, seeking its approval for the appointment of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the permanent Chief of Army Staff.
This move follows the president’s ongoing efforts to solidify leadership within the country’s military apparatus and ensure a seamless transition in the defense sector.
“In his letter sent today, President Tinubu seeks Oluyede’s confirmation in accordance with the provision of Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution as amended and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act,” Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, revealed in a statement.
The statement is titled ‘President Tinubu writes Senate, seeks confirmation of Lt. General Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff.’
On October 30, in response to the health challenges faced by Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, President Bola Tinubu appointed Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff. This appointment came as a temporary yet crucial measure to ensure the continuity of leadership within the military during a period of uncertainty regarding Lagbaja’s condition.Sadly, General Taoreed Lagbaja passed away on November 5, marking a tragic and unforeseen end to his leadership. His death, which came just days after his health issues prompted a temporary leadership transition, has deeply affected the military community and the nation at large.
Onanuga said, “President Tinubu is confident about the leadership qualities, professional integrity, and experience of Lt. General Oluyede to lead and inspire the army to ensure national security and stability.”
Prior to stepping into the role of Acting Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, a member of the 39th Regular Course, had earned distinction as the 56th Commander of the Nigerian Army’s elite Infantry Corps. In this capacity, he commanded from the strategic Jaji base in Kaduna, mirroring the leadership trajectory of his predecessor within this pivotal military division.Olufemi Oluyede’s journey in the Nigerian Army began in 1987, when he started his service, even though he was formally commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992. His exceptional career progression saw him ascend to the rank of Major-General by September 2020, reflecting his extensive experience and leadership in the military.
Since his commissioning as an officer, Oluyede has held many command positions.
Read also: Late COAS Lagbaja Laid To Rest Amid Tears, Tributes
He was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
General Oluyede participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group 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.
Olufemi Oluyede’s exemplary service in various military operations has earned him a wealth of prestigious awards. Notable among them are the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, his successful completion of the Staff Course, and his esteemed membership in the National Institute, all of which reflect his unwavering dedication to his duties.
In addition to the previously mentioned accolades, Olufemi Oluyede has also been honoured with the Field Command Medal, the Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Field Training Medal, further demonstrating his exceptional leadership and dedication to military operations.
In recognition of his remarkable service, Olufemi Oluyede was honoured with the highly coveted Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award, cementing his legacy within the military.
He is also a family man, happily married and the proud father of three children, showcasing his ability to balance personal and professional commitments with great success.
