The House of Representatives has officially confirmed the appointment of Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as Nigeria’s substantive Chief of Army Staff.
The decision, made on Thursday, November 28, followed the recommendation of an ad-hoc committee set up to evaluate his suitability for the role.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier requested the House to confirm Oluyede’s appointment, highlighting his qualifications, experience, and contributions to national security.
The request was read on the House floor on November 26, with the screening process led by Babajimi Benson, Chairman of the House Committee on Defence.
The committee’s report praised Oluyede’s leadership qualities and professionalism, recommending his confirmation.
Oluyede initially stepped into the role of acting Chief of Army Staff following the illness and passing of his predecessor, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, whose death was announced on November 6.
President Tinubu had appointed Oluyede to act in his stead on October 30, shortly before his elevation to the rank of lieutenant general on November 5.
In his career spanning over three decades, Oluyede has held numerous command positions and participated in key operations, including the ECOMOG mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East.
A member of the 39th Regular Course of the Nigerian Army, he previously served as the 56th Commander of the Infantry Corps in Kaduna.
Oluyede’s confirmation has been well-received by stakeholders, who expressed confidence in his ability to tackle Nigeria’s pressing security challenges.
As the new Chief of Army Staff, he is expected to build on the work of his predecessor while contributing to the stability and security of the nation.
