Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede officially took command on Friday as Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), becoming the first officer appointed in this capacity in Nigerian Army history.
This temporary appointment comes following President Bola Tinubu’s decision on Wednesday, pending the return of the substantive COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, who is on medical leave abroad.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, highlighted the significance of this appointment, describing it as unprecedented within the Nigerian Armed Forces. He emphasized the unusual nature of this arrangement, pointing out that a temporary COAS is unprecedented.
“Our brother and friend [Lt.-Gen. Lagbaja] went for medical check-up, and it is our prayers that he will recuperate and return,” Musa stated. The appointment empowers Oluyede with full authority to lead the Army until further directives from the President.
This arrangement is in accordance with the Armed Forces Act, Cap A-20 of the Laws of the Federation 2004, particularly Sections 18 (1-4), which permits such an appointment under specific conditions.
In his response, Maj.-Gen. Oluyede expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for entrusting him with the role during this unique period. He acknowledged that the interim appointment aims to ensure the Nigerian Army’s stability and effective leadership while enabling Lagbaja to focus on his recovery.
