President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), according to a recent statement by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga. Major General Oluyede will serve in this role temporarily, filling in for Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is currently receiving medical treatment abroad.
Military Background of Olufemi Oluyede
Major General Oluyede, previously the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps based in Jaji, Kaduna, has held several key positions since being commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992. With extensive experience in operations such as the ECOMOG mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the Northeast, Oluyede has earned notable commendations, including the Grand Service Star and the Corps Medal of Honour.
Death Rumors and Army’s Clarification
Days before Oluyede’s appointment, unverified reports claimed that Lt. General Lagbaja had passed away due to cancer. Former presidential aide Jackson Ude asserted that Lagbaja died in an overseas hospital, a statement that went viral, sparking rumors and speculation. The Nigerian Army, however, quickly dismissed the rumors. Army spokesman Major General Onyema Nwachukwu confirmed that Lagbaja was on official leave, with Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, Chief of Policy and Plans, temporarily overseeing routine duties.
“There is no leadership vacuum,” emphasized Nwachukwu, explaining that structured processes ensure all operations continue seamlessly during Lagbaja’s absence.
DHQ Statement on Leadership Stability
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) also addressed the rumors, confirming that no official acting COAS appointment had been made. Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Defence spokesperson, described the speculations as baseless and reaffirmed that Lagbaja remains in good health and is expected to resume his duties post-leave. Gusau urged individuals circulating coup-related rumors to cease, labeling such actions treasonous under Nigerian law.
Looking Forward: Stability and Command in the Nigerian Army
This period of interim leadership under Major General Oluyede highlights the Nigerian Army’s commitment to continuity and stability within its command structure, dismissing claims of disruption or instability. The Nigerian military maintains that all routine activities proceed as scheduled, ensuring seamless operations across departments.
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