JUST IN: Olufemi Oluyede Promoted to Lieutenant-General, Poised to Become Nigeria’s Next Army Chief

Olufemi Oluyede, recently appointed as Acting Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general, indicating his likely elevation to the position of substantive Chief of Army Staff. This promotion, confirmed by reliable sources at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, underscores the potential for Oluyede to permanently succeed Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, who has been indisposed for several weeks.

The formal decoration ceremony took place at the Presidential Villa, attended by senior military and government officials. This move signals a possible shift in the Nigerian Army’s leadership structure, though the ultimate status of General Lagbaja remains unconfirmed. According to a source close to the presidency, an official statement addressing Lt. General Lagbaja’s situation is expected later today.

Oluyede’s appointment was initially announced last Wednesday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga. In his announcement, Onanuga stated that Oluyede’s role as acting Chief of Army Staff was provisional, contingent on General Lagbaja’s anticipated return. However, the promotion to lieutenant-general suggests a more permanent placement could be in the offing.

Before his recent elevation, 56-year-old Oluyede served as the Commander of the Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna, where he was instrumental in training and strategy within Nigeria’s elite army ranks. He shares a close professional history with Lt. General Lagbaja, as both men were members of the Nigerian Defence Academy’s 39th Regular Course and have held overlapping roles within the military.

Commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, Oluyede has steadily risen through the ranks, achieving the position of major-general in 2020. His career includes various command and operational roles, such as serving as Commandant of the Amphibious Training School and leading military efforts in Liberia, the Bakassi region, and in Nigeria’s northeastern theater as Commander of the 27 Task Force Brigade in Operation HADIN KAI.

Throughout his distinguished service, Oluyede has received multiple honors, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award, among others.

Oluyede, who is married with three children, stands as a highly regarded military figure with extensive field experience and a long-standing commitment to national security.