There is an air of uncertainty on the Chief of army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, returning to his position as President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, decorated the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Olufemi Oluyede with a higher rank of Lieutenant General.
By Emma Ogbuehi
There is an air of uncertainty on the Chief of army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, returning to his position as President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, decorated the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Olufemi Oluyede with a higher rank of Lieutenant General.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed the development which took place at the President’s office. He however did not say what would happen to Lagbaja on his return.
There are suggestions that if confirmed by the Senate, Oluyede will become the substantive army chief, permanently replacing Lagbaja. The tradition, according to sources versed in the affairs of the military is that by current convention, the rank of Lieutenant General or its equivalent is usually reserved for Service Chiefs. While the COAS wears the rank, his counterparts in the Navy and Air Force bear Vice Admiral and Air Marshal, respectively. The positions, it was further gathered, are reserved for such senior officers, except as field rank by those on special assignments. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), on the other hand, bears the rank of a full general (Four-Star General)
READ ALSO:
Tinubu appoints Oluyede Acting Chief of Army Staff
The acting COAS was promoted from the rank of Major General to Lieutenant General, days after he was appointed as acting army chief by the President.
“It is both an honour and a privilege to decorate you today,” the President was quoted as saying.
“This recognition reflects your commitment and service to the Nigerian military, which speaks volumes through your exemplary record.
“We recognise all that you have been doing to ensure the country is safe and stable,’’ the President said.
On his part, Lt. Gen. Oluyede expressed deep gratitude and acknowledged the solemnity of the occasion. He reiterated his commitment to upholding the vision of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and to maintaining peace across the country.
Onanuga had announced Oluyede’s appointment on October 30, 2024, after weeks of speculations on the state of health of Gen Lagbaja, with some arguing that he had died. The Defence Headquarters has since denied the rumours of Lagbaja’s death, saying he is on leave.
“Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja,” Onanuga said in a statement.
Until his appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.
56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja were course mates and members of the 39th Regular Course.
He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987. He rose to Major-General in September 2020.
Oluyede has held many commands since his commissioning as an officer. He was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer Guards Brigade, Commandant Amphibious Training School.
General Oluyede 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 North East theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade.
Oluyede has earned many honours for his meritorious service in various fields of operations. These include the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, Passing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute.
