The House of Representatives has officially confirmed Olufemi Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). His confirmation followed the presentation of a report by Babajimi Benson, chairman of the committee on defence.
Oluyede had been screened earlier by the House’s joint committee on army and defence. While presenting the report, Benson noted that the nominee had been extensively quizzed on inter-agency relations and other critical issues affecting the military. According to Benson, Oluyede provided a “very good account of himself,” and the committee expressed satisfaction with his academic and professional qualifications, experience, conduct, and character.
Following the adoption of the committee’s report, the House confirmed Oluyede’s appointment.
During his screening, Oluyede highlighted his extensive exposure to national security issues, which he said prepared him to lead the army effectively.
“In the past five years, I have served at the senior and management level in the Nigerian Army, and I have been involved in the overall operations of the service. I cannot entirely separate myself from the successes and challenges of our great army,” he said.
“I see my nomination as a privilege and an opportunity to lead positive changes in the Nigerian Army to ensure it fulfills its constitutional responsibilities.”
Oluyede was initially appointed acting COAS by President Bola Tinubu on October 30, following the prolonged illness of the former army chief, Taoreed Lagbaja. Tragically, Lagbaja passed away on November 5 due to an undisclosed illness. Following this, Oluyede was promoted to the rank of lieutenant-general.
Before his current appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Kaduna State. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992 and achieved the rank of major general in September 2020. Both Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates, having been members of the 39th regular course of the Nigerian Defence Academy.