By Ayomide Otitoju
President Bola Tinubu has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), according to a statement by Presidential Spokesman Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday. Oluyede assumes this role pending the return of Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, currently receiving medical treatment abroad.
Until his appointment, Oluyede served as Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, based in Jaji, Kaduna. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, promoted to Major General in 2020, and brings extensive operational experience from missions such as the ECOMOG in Liberia and Operation HADIN KAI in Northeast Nigeria.
The move follows widespread rumors surrounding Lagbaja’s health. Reports earlier this month falsely claimed that he had passed away. Army and Defence Headquarters swiftly debunked these reports, with Army Spokesman Onyema Nwachukwu confirming that Lagbaja is on official leave, while Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim manages ongoing operations in his stead. The Defence Headquarters clarified that there has been no official change of command, emphasizing that the Armed Forces remain professionally managed.
The Defense Headquarters also condemned recent calls for military intervention, labeling such statements as treasonous and affirming that all Service Chiefs, including Lt. General Lagbaja, remain fully engaged in their constitutional duties.
