Tinubu appoints Major General Oluyede as acting COAS

In a significant military reshuffle, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS).

This decision was announced by Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser to the president on Information and Strategy, on Wednesday.

Major General Oluyede will assume his new role while awaiting the return of the substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is currently receiving treatment overseas.

The presidency’s statement highlighted the importance of this transition, emphasizing that “Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff.”

Prior to this appointment, Major General Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps based in Jaji, Kaduna. At 56 years old, Oluyede brings a wealth of experience, having been commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992. He rose to the rank of Major General in September 2020.

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The new acting COAS has an impressive military background, having held numerous command positions, including Company Commander at the 177 Guards Battalion and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School. He and Lt. Gen. Lagbaja are coursemates from the 39th Regular Course, indicating a longstanding professional relationship.

In his personal life, Oluyede is married and a father of three. His appointment is expected to bring continuity and stability to the Nigerian Army during this transitional period. Further updates on the situation will be provided as they become available.