President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) due to the temporary indisposition of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja. Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, announced the decision on Wednesday.
“At 56 years old, he brings a wealth of experience to the position,” said Onanuga, noting that Oluyede has served as Commander of the Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna, and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992 before rising to Major General in 2020. Oluyede’s career has spanned critical leadership roles, including Commandant of the Amphibious Training School and missions such as the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) in Liberia and Operation HADIN KAI in Nigeria’s North East.
“Oluyede and Lagbaja are not only colleagues but coursemates from the 39th Regular Course,” added Onanuga, highlighting their long-standing professional bond. Decorated for excellence, Oluyede has received awards like the Corps Medal of Honour and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.
The appointment is seen as a strategic move to ensure the Army’s leadership remains steady. “His experience and proven track record will be vital in upholding the operational readiness and effectiveness of the Army,” said Onanuga.
