President Tinubu Promotes Acting Army Chief Oluyede To Lieutenant General

President Bola Tinubu has promoted the acting Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, to the rank of Lieutenant General. The promotion, confirmed by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga, took place on Tuesday at the President’s office.

If ratified by the Senate, Oluyede’s position will become permanent, succeeding Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja as the Nigerian Army’s Chief of Staff. Oluyede was previously elevated from Major General to Lieutenant General after being appointed as acting army chief by President Tinubu amid rumors about Lagbaja’s health, which the Defence Headquarters refuted, noting Lagbaja is on leave.

“It is both an honour and a privilege to decorate you today,” President Tinubu stated, commending Oluyede’s service record and dedication to ensuring Nigeria’s stability. Oluyede expressed gratitude and affirmed his commitment to the mission of maintaining peace across the country.

Before this role, the 56-year-old Oluyede served as the Commander of the Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna. A 39th Regular Course graduate and long-time comrade of Lagbaja, he was commissioned in 1992 and became a Major-General in 2020. Oluyede has held various leadership roles, including Platoon Commander, Company Commander, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School, and has participated in critical operations such as ECOMOG in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East. His distinguished career has earned him multiple honors, including the Corps Medal of Honour and the Grand Service Star.