President Tinubu Writes NASS, Seeks Confirmation of Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff

President Bola Tinubu has officially written to the National Assembly, requesting the confirmation of Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff. The President addressed separate letters to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, seeking Oluyede’s confirmation in line with Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act.

Oluyede was appointed as Acting Chief of Army Staff on October 30, following the illness of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on November 5.

In the letters, President Tinubu expressed confidence in Oluyede’s leadership qualities, professional integrity, and extensive experience, believing he will effectively lead the Nigerian Army in ensuring national security and stability.

Before his acting appointment, Oluyede, a member of the 39th Regular Course, served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps based in Jaji, Kaduna. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992 and promoted to Major-General in 2020. Oluyede has held several command roles, including Platoon Commander, Company Commander, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School. He also participated in key military operations, such as the ECOMOG mission in Liberia and Operation HADIN KAI in the northeast.

Oluyede’s exceptional service has earned him numerous awards, including the Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, and Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.

He is married and has three children.