The appointment of Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) was announced on Wednesday by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga. According to Onanuga, Oluyede will temporarily lead the Nigerian Army until the return of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is currently receiving medical treatment abroad.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff,” the statement confirmed, adding that Oluyede’s role is temporary pending Lagbaja’s recovery and return.
Before this appointment, Oluyede held the role of Commander of the elite Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna, and shared a long-standing military background with Lagbaja, both being members of the 39th Regular Course. Oluyede, a 56-year-old, began his career as a second lieutenant in 1992 and rose to the rank of Major-General in 2020. Throughout his career, he has led various operations, including the ECOMOG mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in Northeast Nigeria.
Recently, unconfirmed reports alleged that Lt. General Lagbaja had passed away from cancer while overseas, sparking widespread rumors. The Nigerian Army responded on October 20, refuting these claims. Army spokesperson Onyema Nwachukwu clarified that Lagbaja is on official leave and Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, Chief of Policy and Plans, is currently overseeing his duties. Nwachukwu reassured the public that the Army has established protocols for leadership continuity, dismissing any claims of a leadership vacuum.
Additionally, the Defence Headquarters, through spokesperson Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, emphasized that Lagbaja’s leave is routine, and Major General Ibrahim is briefed as part of standard procedures. Gusau urged the public to disregard any coup rumors and stressed that the spread of such misinformation is a criminal offense.
