President Bola Tinubu has promoted the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Olufemi Oluyede, from the rank of Major-General to Lieutenant General.
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And Oluyede was decorated with his new rank at Aso Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Tuesday, Presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, later confirmed this.
Indeed, the Senate is expected to confirm Oluyede as the substantive Army Chief, thus permanently replacing Lagbaja.
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.
President Tinubu was quoted as saying, “It is both an honour and a privilege to decorate you today.
“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.”
Lt. Gen. Oluyede was full of gratitude and acknowledged the solemnity of the occasion.
He expressed his commitment to upholding the vision of Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, and to maintaining peace across the country.
Also, Onanuga had announced Oluyede’s appointment on October 30, 2024, after weeks of the rumoured death of army chief Lt-Gen Taoreed Lagbaja. The Defence Headquarters has since denied the rumours of Lagbaja’s death, saying he is on leave.
A statement by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed that Oluyede will hold sway as the COAS pending the return of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is said to be indisposed and is receiving treatment abroad.
According to the statement, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS).
“Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.”
Oluyede had served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.
Oluyede, 56, and Lagbaja were coursemates 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.
