President Bola Tinubu has officially submitted a request to the House of Representatives for the confirmation of Olufemi Oluyede as the permanent Chief of Army Staff (COAS). This formal request was made through a letter, which was read aloud by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas during the plenary session on Tuesday.
In his communication, President Tinubu emphasized that the confirmation of Oluyede aligns with the provisions of Section 218(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act, which govern such appointments. The President went on to highlight Oluyede’s extensive qualifications, describing him as a seasoned professional whose long-standing contributions to the military and the nation as a whole make him exceptionally suited for the role of COAS.
President Tinubu urged the lawmakers to expedite the confirmation process, underscoring the importance of having a fully confirmed Army Chief to provide strong and effective leadership in the Nigerian Army. Tinubu’s request for Oluyede’s confirmation comes after his appointment as acting COAS on October 30, following the prolonged illness of the former Army Chief, Taoreed Lagbaja.
Tragically, General Lagbaja passed away on November 5 after a period of illness, leaving a significant leadership gap in the military. In the aftermath of Lagbaja’s death, President Tinubu promoted Oluyede to the rank of lieutenant-general, a position that was formally recognized in a ceremony attended by senior military leaders, where Oluyede was decorated with his new rank.
Before his appointment as acting COAS, Oluyede had served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna. He is a distinguished military officer who was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992 and reached the rank of major general in September 2020. Oluyede’s military career is notable not only for his rank but also for his leadership within various corps of the army, further establishing his credibility and expertise.
Oluyede and the late General Lagbaja shared a long history, having both graduated from the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy, which speaks to the deep bond of service and shared experiences within the Nigerian Army.
In addition to seeking confirmation from the House of Representatives, President Tinubu has also requested the Senate’s approval for Oluyede’s appointment as the substantive COAS. The confirmation process in both chambers of the National Assembly is expected to proceed promptly, allowing Oluyede to fully assume his duties as the head of Nigeria’s military forces.
The confirmation of Oluyede is seen as a pivotal step in ensuring the continued stability and operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Army, particularly during a period of increasing security challenges across the country. With his vast experience and leadership, Oluyede’s permanent appointment is anticipated to bring a steady hand to the military at a crucial time in Nigeria’s defense and security landscape.
