Major General Olufemi Oluyede takes on the role of Acting Chief of Army Staff in a formal handover at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
In a formal handover ceremony held at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Friday, Major General Olufemi Oluyede officially assumed duties as the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Nigeria.
Appointed by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, Oluyede steps in temporarily for the substantive COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who is currently indisposed.
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The Nigerian Defence Headquarters announced the ceremony on X.com, sharing photos of Oluyede’s assumption of duty.
The post, captioned “Formal Taking Over Ceremony of the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Major General OO Oluyede,” marked a significant event in the country’s military leadership.
Prior to this appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps, based in Jaji, Kaduna.
At 56 years old, he brings decades of military experience to his new role and shares a long-standing professional relationship with Lieutenant General Lagbaja, with whom he was a coursemate in the 39th Regular Course.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, was among those present at the ceremony, underscoring the significance of Oluyede’s new responsibilities in guiding the Nigerian Army during Lagbaja’s absence.
Oluyede’s appointment came shortly after the Defence Headquarters clarified that acting COAS appointments are not typically recognised under the Harmonised Armed Forces Act.
Nonetheless, the Army confirmed the handover plans in a notice signed by Group Captain Chris Erondu on behalf of Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information.
Oluyede’s tenure as acting COAS will be critical, with both military officials and the public anticipating his efforts to maintain operational stability within the Nigerian Army.
As he steps into this prominent role, Oluyede’s leadership will likely play a vital part in upholding the army’s objectives and readiness in Nigeria.
