Tinubu writes Senate, seeks General Oluyede’s confirmation as COAS
By Emma Ogbuehi
One week after the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, was laid to rest at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja, President Bola Tinubu has submitted a letter to the Senate seeking confirmation of Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede’s appointment as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.
A statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that the letter, which was sent to the Senate on Friday, seeks Oluyede’s confirmation in accordance with Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act.
Oluyede was appointed 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 expressed confidence in Oluyede’s leadership qualities, professional integrity, and extensive experience, which he believes will help lead the army and ensure national security and stability.
Before his appointment as 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 a second lieutenant in 1992 and promoted to Major-General in September 2020.
Oluyede has held numerous command positions throughout his career, including Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
He 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 North East, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.
For his outstanding service in various operations, Oluyede has received numerous awards, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, the Field Command Medal, the Field Command Medal of Honour, the Field Training Medal, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.