Major General Oluyede assumes office as acting COAS

Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede officially assumed the role of Acting Chief of Army Staff on Friday, November 1, 2024, during a formal handover ceremony at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

The event involved the signing and exchange of the handing-over note with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa.

General Musa called upon all officers, including Principal Staff Officers at Army Headquarters, General Officers Commanding, and Corps Commanders, to fully support Major General Oluyede in his new capacity.

“This event of signing the handover note by the Acting Chief of Army Staff is unprecedented in the history of Nigeria,” General Musa remarked. “However, the only constant thing in life is change.”

He explained that the appointment of Major General Oluyede was made necessary by Lt. General Lagbaja’s illness, citing the President’s constitutional powers as Commander-in-Chief to ensure no void exists within the armed forces. He noted that this action is supported by the laws of the federation.

“The responsibilities of the Nigerian Army now rest with you, Major General Oluyede, until the return of Lt. General Lagbaja,” General Musa stated. He called on all officers to work collaboratively, particularly given the current security challenges facing the nation.

“We need all hands on deck. The President does not want any gap. We pray for Lagbaja’s swift recovery and look forward to his return,” he added.

In his remarks after signing the handover note, Major General Oluyede expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the role of Acting Chief of Army Staff. “I thank God for this privilege and the President for finding me worthy to hold this position until my leader, Lt. Gen. TA Lagbaja, returns from treatment,” he said.