Tinubu writes Senate, wants Lt. Gen Oluyede confirmed as substantive COAS

President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.

In a statement released by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu is seeking Oluyede’s confirmation in accordance with Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act.

Tinubu appointed Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff on October 30, following the illness of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5.

According to the statement, President Tinubu believes that Oluyede possesses the leadership qualities, professional integrity, and wealth of experience necessary to lead and inspire the army in ensuring national security and stability.

“Before becoming the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede, a member of the 39th Regular Course, served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987, and rose to the rank of Major General in September 2020.

“Throughout his career as an officer, Oluyede has held many command positions, including Platoon Commander and Adjutant at the 65th Battalion, Company Commander at the 177th Guards Battalion, Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.

“General Oluyede has participated in several 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 Northeast theatre of operations, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade,” the statement reads.

For his exemplary service in various operational roles, he has received numerous honours, including the Corps Medal of Honor, the Grand Service Star, and Membership in the National Institute.

Other accolades include the Field Command Medal, the Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Field Training Medal. He has also been honoured with the prestigious Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.

Oluyede is happily married and has three children.