Senate receives Tinubu’s letter seeking Oluyede’s confirmation as CoAS

President Bola Tinubu has formally written to the Senate requesting the confirmation of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

Oluyede has been serving in an acting capacity since his appointment on October 30.

The president’s request was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary session. Tinubu’s letter cited the provisions of Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act, affirming Oluyede’s suitability for the role based on his extensive contributions to the military and the nation.

Following the reading of the letter, the request was referred to the Senate Committee on Army for screening, with the expectation that a report would be presented to the full Senate for further consideration.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga had announced last Friday that President Tinubu sent a letter to the Senate requesting confirmation for Oluyede’s appointment.

Oluyede was appointed Acting Chief of Army Staff on October 30 after the illness of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5 and was subsequently buried in Abuja.

Onanuga stated that President Tinubu has confidence in Oluyede’s leadership qualities, professional integrity, and experience, believing he is well-equipped to lead the army in ensuring national security and stability.

Before becoming Acting COAS, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992 and rose to the rank of Major General in September 2020.

Oluyede has held numerous command positions throughout his career, including Platoon Commander, Company Commander, Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.

He participated in various operations, including 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.

In recognition of his service, Oluyede has received numerous honours, including the Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, Staff Course Completion Award, Membership in the National Institute, Field Command Medal, Field Command Medal of Honour, and Field Training Medal. He also received the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.