President Bola Tinubu has officially asked the Nigerian Senate to confirm the appointment of Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff. This follows his earlier temporary appointment as Acting Chief of Army Staff after the untimely passing of his predecessor, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
The request for confirmation was made in a formal letter sent to the Senate, aligning with the legal framework provided by the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) and the Armed Forces Act. The President expressed confidence in Lt. Gen. Oluyede’s leadership abilities, professional integrity, and extensive military experience, emphasizing his capability to lead the Nigerian Army and ensure the country’s security and stability.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede was appointed Acting Chief of Army Staff on October 30, 2024, after Gen. Lagbaja fell ill. Tragically, Gen. Lagbaja passed away on November 5, leaving the leadership of the army in urgent need of stabilization. Recognizing the critical nature of this role, President Tinubu moved quickly to nominate Oluyede for the permanent position.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede brings to the table an impressive track record in military service, making him a strong candidate to lead the army at this crucial time. His extensive experience in command positions and participation in several key operations highlights his readiness for the role.
Lt. Gen. Oluyede, a graduate of the prestigious Nigerian Defence Academy, is a member of the 39th Regular Course. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992 (effective from 1987), his career spans decades of dedicated service. In September 2020, he achieved the rank of Major-General, demonstrating his steady progression through the ranks of the Nigerian Army.
Before his recent appointment, he held several high-profile positions. Most notably, he served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps, based in Jaji, Kaduna, a key role in the Nigerian Army’s structure. This position involves overseeing the training and operational readiness of infantry units, which form the backbone of the military.
Oluyede’s leadership experience extends to various operational and administrative roles, including:
- Platoon Commander and Adjutant at 65 Battalion
- Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion
- Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade
- Commandant of the Amphibious Training School
Over the years, Lt. Gen. Oluyede has been an active participant in numerous military operations, both within and outside Nigeria. These include:
- ECOMOG Mission in Liberia: A peacekeeping mission under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) during the Liberian Civil War.
- Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi: A critical operation in the Bakassi Peninsula, focusing on territorial integrity and regional security.
- Operation HADIN KAI in the North East: As commander of the 27 Task Force Brigade, he played a significant role in counterinsurgency efforts against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in northeastern Nigeria.
For his outstanding service in various capacities, Lt. Gen. Oluyede has received numerous accolades. These honors reflect his commitment to excellence and the impact of his contributions to Nigeria’s military operations. Some of his notable awards include:
- Corps Medal of Honour
- Grand Service Star
- Field Command Medal and Field Command Medal of Honour
- Field Training Medal
- Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award
He has also been recognized for completing advanced military courses, earning the Passing the Staff Course distinction and being a Member of the National Institute, a testament to his intellectual contributions to strategic military planning.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Lt. Gen. Oluyede is a family man. He is married and has three children. Despite the demands of his military career, he has maintained a strong commitment to his family, serving as an example of balance between professional and personal responsibilities.
If confirmed by the Senate, Lt. Gen. Oluyede will assume full responsibility as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff. This role comes with immense challenges, particularly in a country facing complex security issues, including terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts. However, President Tinubu’s endorsement and Oluyede’s track record suggest he is well-prepared to meet these challenges head-on.
In his letter to the Senate, President Tinubu emphasized the need for a steady hand at the helm of the Nigerian Army. He expressed his belief that Oluyede’s leadership will strengthen the army’s capacity to protect Nigeria’s territorial integrity and maintain internal peace.
The Senate’s approval will mark a significant step in stabilizing the leadership of the Nigerian Army, following the sudden loss of General Lagbaja. With Lt. Gen. Oluyede at the helm, there is renewed hope for progress in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
This nomination underscores the importance of continuity and experience in military leadership, particularly during times of national difficulty. As Nigeria awaits the Senate’s decision, the focus remains on ensuring that the country’s armed forces are well-positioned to tackle current and future threats.
