Reps confirm Oluyede as army chief

The Nigerian House of Representatives has officially confirmed Olufemi Oluyede as the Chief of Army Staff (COAS). The confirmation followed the presentation of a report by Babajimi Benson, chairman of the committee on defence, during a session of the lower legislative chamber.

Oluyede had undergone screening on Wednesday by the joint committee on army and defence, where he was extensively quizzed on inter-agency relations and pressing issues affecting the military. Presenting the report, Benson noted that the nominee delivered a “commendable performance” during the screening, demonstrating extensive knowledge, professionalism, and leadership capabilities.

According to Benson, the committee was impressed with Oluyede’s qualifications, character, and military experience, and recommended his confirmation. The house subsequently adopted the report, cementing Oluyede’s appointment as the nation’s top army officer.

During the screening, Oluyede emphasized his readiness to lead the army, citing his deep involvement in national security matters over the past five years. He remarked, “I see my nomination as a privilege and an opportunity to drive positive changes in the Nigerian Army, enabling it to fulfil its constitutional responsibility.”

President Bola Tinubu appointed Oluyede as acting COAS on October 30, following the illness of his predecessor, Taoreed Lagbaja. Tragically, Lagbaja passed away on November 5 due to an undisclosed illness. Shortly after, the president elevated Oluyede to the rank of lieutenant-general.

Before his promotion, Oluyede was the 56th commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, based in Kaduna state. A graduate of the Nigerian Defence Academy, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992 and rose to the rank of major general in 2020. Notably, Oluyede and the late Lagbaja were members of the 39th regular course.