President Bola Tinubu has formally requested the Senate to confirm Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede as the substantive Chief of Army Staff.
The request was officially communicated through a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during a plenary session, highlighting the constitutional process for military leadership appointments.
Oluyede has been serving in an acting capacity since his appointment on October 30, following the illness and subsequent death of Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja on November 5. The president’s letter invoked sections 218(2) of the 1999 constitution and section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act to support the nomination.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga emphasized that President Tinubu is “confident about the leadership qualities, professional integrity, and experience” of Lieutenant General Oluyede to lead and inspire the Nigerian Army in ensuring national security and stability.
Prior to his current role, Oluyede was the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.
His military career spans over three decades, with a distinguished service record that includes being commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992 and rising to the rank of Major General in September 2020.
Throughout his military journey, Oluyede has held numerous critical command positions. These include roles as Platoon Commander, Adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer in the Guards Brigade, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
His operational experience is equally impressive, having participated in several significant military missions. These include the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations, where he commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade.
Oluyede’s distinguished service has been recognized through multiple prestigious awards, including the Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, Field Command Medal, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.
The Senate Committee on Army will now screen Lieutenant General Oluyede and present their report to the full Senate for further consideration.
