Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede has been appointed as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Nigerian Army by President Bola Tinubu. This appointment comes after the temporary indisposition of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja. Oluyede has extensive military experience and leadership credentials.
President Bola Tinubu recently appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of the Nigerian Army, following the temporary indisposition of the current COAS, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is receiving treatment abroad. The appointment was announced by Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, emphasizing Oluyede’s seasoned military experience, including his role as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna.
Here are ten key facts about General Oluyede:
- He served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps based in Jaji, Kaduna.
- At 56, he is one of the youngest individuals to hold the COAS position in Nigeria’s history.
- Oluyede was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992 and attained the rank of Major General in September 2020.
- He is a colleague and coursemate of the temporarily indisposed COAS, Lt. General Lagbaja, from the 39th Regular Course.
- His extensive military career includes positions such as Platoon Commander, Company Commander, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
- He has participated in critical military operations, including the ECOMOG mission in Liberia and Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast.
- Oluyede has received numerous awards for his service, including the Corps Medal of Honour and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.
- He is married and has three children.
- He was appointed acting COAS on October 30, 2024.
- His role as acting COAS will ensure continuity in leadership until Lt. General Lagbaja returns.
