President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the National Assembly to confirm Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff. The letter, sent on Friday, follows Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act.
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, disclosed the development. This comes after Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the previous Chief of Army Staff, passed away on November 5, 2024. Tinubu had earlier appointed Oluyede as Acting Chief of Army Staff in October following Lagbaja’s health challenges.
Oluyede, a seasoned military officer, is a member of the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Army. He has held key positions, including Commander of the Infantry Corps, Platoon Commander, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School. His operational experience includes participation in missions like ECOMOG in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East.
He has earned numerous accolades for his service, including the Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, and Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award. Tinubu expressed confidence in Oluyede’s leadership and his ability to ensure national security and stability.
The confirmation request has been sent to both Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
