Olufemi Oluyede, recently appointed as acting Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Tinubu, has been promoted to the rank of lieutenant general, suggesting he may soon be named the permanent army chief.
Previously holding the rank of major general, Oluyede was decorated at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, sources told PREMIUM TIMES.
This promotion hints at Oluyede’s potential permanent role as army chief, replacing Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who has been unwell for several weeks.
However, presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga clarified on Tuesday that Oluyede remains the acting army chief for now, without providing additional information.
Lagbaja’s future remains uncertain, though a presidential statement on the matter is expected later.
Onanuga had announced Oluyede’s acting appointment last week, citing his temporary role until Lagbaja’s return.
Until this appointment, the 56-year-old Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army in Jaji, Kaduna.
Both Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates from the 39th Regular Course, and Oluyede was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992 (backdated to 1987), achieving the rank of major general in 2020.
Throughout his career, Oluyede has held various command positions, including Platoon Commander, adjutant at 65 Battalion, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.
He participated in several operations, such as the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East, where he led the 27 Task Force Brigade.
Oluyede has received numerous honors, including the Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award, and Field Training Medal.
He is married with three children.
