Updated: Reps confirm Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff

The House of Representatives on Thursday has confirmed Lit-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede as the real Chief of Army Staff of Nigeria.

The confirmation followed his screening, which was done by the Joint Committees on Defence and Army, on Wednesday.

The Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), learnt that Oluyede was confirmed as the COAS, following the submission of his screening report by the committee Chairman, Sen. Babajimi Benson.

Presenting the report of the screening, Benson, a member of the House representing the Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Lagos, readp, “following our appointment by parliament on November 26, 2024, we conducted a thorough screening of the Acting Army Chief yesterday.”

“This involved a comprehensive review of his curriculum vitae (CV), as well as a questioning session that covered a range of critical topics, including inter-agency synergy, civilian-military relationships, and his vision for the future of the military.”

“Our conclusion is that General Olufemi Oluyede is perfect for the job. He nailed his screening, showing he’s got what it takes.”

“So, we’re recommending that the House give him the thumbs up and confirm him as the new Chief of Army Staff.”

As the Deputy Speaker prepared to present the question to his colleagues, he said, “It’s worth noting that this report contains a single, unified recommendation.”

“The ad-hoc committee was satisfied with the nominee’s qualifications, experience, and performance after a thorough assessment.”

“The ad-hoc committee observed that General Oluyede demonstrated in-depth knowledge of strategies and tactics, while in the position of acting COAS.”

“We hereby recommend his confirmation as Chief of Army Staff.”

Kalu asked, “Carried?” and the lawmakers nodded in agreement.

“General Oluyede has extensive war and negotiation experience from serving in critical war zones.”

“General Oluyede shared his experience with similar war situations in Nigeria, promising to apply his knowledge when confirmed as Chief of Army Staff.”

“Other topics covered included accountability, transparency, internal security, recruitment, training, media relations, and Army discipline.”

“He was also interviewed on his strategic security knowledge and vision, funding, war on terror, insurgency and banditry, health and welfare of soldiers, military equipment and upgrade of security architecture.”

“Oluyede was quizzed on various topics, including his strategic security know-how, funding, the war on terror, insurgency, banditry, soldier welfare, military equipment, and security architecture upgrades.”

Following his confirmation, General Oluyede assumed the position of the 24th Chief of Army Staff.

General Oluyede was appointed acting COAS after General Taoreed Lagbaja’s illness and death earlier in November 2024.

Know about Oluyede

General Olufemi Oluyede is a seasoned Nigerian military officer who has served in various capacities.

Born in 1968, he began his military journey in 1987 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992.

Oluyede has had a distinguished career, holding numerous command roles, including Platoon Commander, Company Commander, and Staff Officer.

The new Chief of Army Staff has also participated in international peacekeeping missions, such as the Economic Community of Monitoring Observer Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia and Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi.

Olufemi was appointed as the acting Chief of Army Staff by President Bola Tinubu, following the illness and subsequent death of his predecessor, General Taoreed Lagbaja.

He was confirmed as the substantive Chief of Army Staff by the House of Representatives on November 28, 2024.

Throughout his career, Oluyede has received several honors, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, and Membership in the National Institute.

He is recognized for his leadership and strategic expertise, and is expected to bring his wealth of experience to his new role as Chief of Army Staff.

Names of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) of Nigeria since independence

General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi(1965-1966), General Yakubu Gowon(1966-1971), General Hassan Usman Katsina (1971), General David Ejoor (1971-1972), General Mohammed Shuwa (1972-1975), General Theophilus Danjuma (1975-1979), General Ipoola Alani Akinrinade (1979-1980), General Gibson Jalo(1980-1981), General Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi (1981-1983), General Ibrahim Babangida (1983-1985), General Sani Abacha (1985-1990), General Salihu Ibrahim(1990-1993), General Aliyu Mohammed Gusaub (1993-1994), General Chris Alli (1994-1996), General Alwali Kazir (1996-1998), General Victor Malu* (1999-2001), General Alexander Ogomudia (2001-2003), General Martin Luther Agwai (2003-2006), General Owoye Andrew Azazi (2006-2007), General Luka Yusuf (2007-2008), General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau (2008-2010), General Azubuike Ihejirika (2010-2014), General Kenneth Minimah (2014-2015), General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, (2015-2021), General Faruk Yahaya (2021-2023), General Taoreed Lagbaja (2023-2024), and the newly confirmed Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede.

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