President Bola Tinubu officially elevated Acting Chief of Army Staff, Major General Olufemi Oluyede, to the rank of Lieutenant General in a ceremony held at the State House on Tuesday.
This significant step further advances Oluyede toward potential confirmation as the substantive army chief, following his appointment in an acting capacity on October 30, 2024.
Oluyede’s appointment as acting Chief of Army Staff followed unverified reports surrounding the health of his predecessor, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who is said to be on annual leave. While speculation circulated that Lagbaja was receiving treatment abroad, the Defence Headquarters clarified that he had simply taken leave and appointed Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, Chief of Policy and Plans, to manage responsibilities in his absence.
“The Nigerian Army is a structured institution with established protocols for all circumstances,” the Army stated. “Necessary procedures were in place for Maj. Gen. Ibrahim to act on behalf of the COAS during Lagbaja’s leave. This approach has been implemented in similar situations in the past.”
In his statement announcing Oluyede’s appointment, Presidential Adviser Bayo Onanuga described Oluyede as an experienced and decorated officer, previously the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna. Oluyede’s long career includes combat leadership in the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.
A graduate of the Nigerian Army’s 39th Regular Course, Oluyede was commissioned in 1992 and rose to the rank of Major General in 2020. His military accomplishments have earned him numerous commendations, including the Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, Field Command Medal of Honour, and the prestigious Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.
