PHOTOS: When Tinubu Promoted Acting COAS Olufemi Oluyede to Lieutenant General Rank
56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates and members of the 39th Regular Course. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992
President Bola Tinubu has promoted the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Olufemi Oluyede, to the rank of Lieutenant General. This promotion from Major General comes just days after he was appointed to the position by the President.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga announced Oluyede’s appointment on October 30, 2024, following weeks of speculation regarding the rumored death of the former army chief, Lt-Gen Taoreed Lagbaja. The Defence Headquarters has since clarified that Lagbaja is not deceased but is currently on leave.
“Oluyede will serve as acting Chief of Army Staff until the return of the indisposed substantive officer, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja,” Onanuga stated in a press release.
Before his appointment, Oluyede held the position of the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.
What To Know About Oluyode
The 56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates and members of the 39th Regular Course. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, dating back to 1987, and rose to the rank of Major General in September 2020.
Throughout his career, Oluyede has held numerous commands since his commissioning as an officer. He served as a Platoon Commander and adjutant at the 65 Battalion, Company Commander at the 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
General Oluyede has participated in several significant 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, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.
For his exemplary service across various operational fields, Oluyede has received numerous honors, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, recognition for completing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute. More
