President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the Senate’s confirmation of Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.
According to Special Adviser to the President Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, in a letter submitted today, the President cited Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act as the legal basis for the nomination.
Oluyede has served as Acting Chief of Army Staff since October 30, following the illness and subsequent death of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja on November 5. President Tinubu expressed confidence in Oluyede’s leadership, professional integrity, and extensive military experience to steer the Nigerian Army in ensuring national security and stability.
A member of the Nigerian Army’s 39th Regular Course, Oluyede has held various command and staff roles, including Commander of the Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, retroactively effective from 1987, and attained the rank of Major-General in 2020.
His career includes participation in key operations such as the ECOMOG mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, where he led the 27 Task Force Brigade.
Oluyede’s contributions have earned him numerous military honors, including the Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.
He is married with three children.
