Kehinde Fajobi
President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.
The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, announced on Friday that the President’s letter to the Senate aligns with Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act.
Oluyede has been serving as Acting Chief of Army Staff since his appointment on October 30, following the illness and subsequent passing of his predecessor, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, on November 5.
In his statement, President Tinubu highlighted Oluyede’s leadership capabilities, professional integrity, and extensive military experience, expressing confidence in his ability to ensure national security and stability.
A member of the Nigerian Army’s 39th Regular Course, Oluyede was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992 and rose to the rank of Major-General in September 2020.
Before becoming Acting Chief of Army Staff, he was the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna.
Oluyede’s career has spanned various command and staff roles, including Platoon Commander, adjutant of the 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, and Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade.
He also served as Commandant of the Amphibious Training School and commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade during Operation HADIN KAI in the North East.
The officer has also participated in international operations, such as the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia and Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi.
For his contributions, Oluyede has received numerous honours, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, the Field Command Medal, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.
Oluyede is married and has three children.