PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, November 5, promoted the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Olufemi Oluyede, who was a Major-General, to the rank of Lieutenant General amid growing speculations over the COAS Taoreed Lagbaja’s health.
Tinubu, in his remarks at the short ceremony at the Aso Rock, praised Oluyede’s dedication and service to the Nigerian military, describing the promotion as a recognition of his commitment.
“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,”Daily Trust quoted the President in his remarks.
“We recognise all that you have been doing to ensure the country is safe and stable,’’ Tinubu said.
Acknowledging the army’s efforts, Tinubu further expressed gratitude to Oluyede while assuring the armed forces of the administration’s support and attentiveness to their counsel.
Tinubu said “We are facing challenges, but progress is being made,’’ adding that the synergy among the armed forces.
Oluyede’s promotion comes amid ongoing speculations regarding the COAS Lagbaja’s health, which have not been formally addressed by the government or military officials.
However, Oluyede’s elevation to Lieutenant General suggests Lagbaja may not make a comeback again into the position.
The ICIR on October 30, reported that the president appointed Oluyede, a major general, to act in Lagbaja’s place.
According to a statement by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Oluyede will act in the position pending when Lagbaja, whom the presidency said was indisposed, returns to Nigeria.
Until his appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.
The 56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates and members of the 39th Regular Course.
According to his profile, which accompanied Onanuga’s statement, Oluyede was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992. He rose to major-general in September 2020.
He has led many commands since his commissioning as an officer. He was a platoon commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, company commander at 177 Guards Battalion, staff officer at Guards Brigade, and commandant amphibious Training School.
Oluyede has participated in several operations, including 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 27 Task Force Brigade.
He has also earned many honours for his service in various fields of operations. He is married and has three children.
Usman Mustapha is a solution journalist with International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: umustapha@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M