President Tinubu Appoints New Acting Chief of Army Staff
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the new acting Chief of Army Staff. This decision was made public through a statement released by the Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, on Wednesday.
According to Onanuga, Oluyede’s appointment is temporary, filling the gap left by Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is currently receiving medical treatment abroad. Lagbaja and Oluyede are coursemates and members of the 39th Regular Course.
Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Until his appointment, he served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna. Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987, Oluyede rose to the rank of Major-General in September 2020.
Throughout his illustrious career, Oluyede has held various commands, including:
<span;>- Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion
<span;>- Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion
<span;>- Staff Officer Guards Brigade
<span;>- Commandant Amphibious Training School
Additionally, Oluyede has participated in several significant operations, such as:
<span;>- Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia
<span;>- Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi
<span;>- Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade
*Honors and Recognition*
Oluyede’s distinguished service has earned him numerous honors, including:
<span;>- Corps Medal of Honour
<span;>- Grand Service Star
<span;>- Passing the Staff Course
<span;>- Membership in the National Institute
Oluyede’s appointment takes effect immediately, and he will serve as acting Chief of Army Staff until Lt. General Lagbaja returns to duty. The development is expected to bring stability and continuity to the Nigerian Army’s leadership.