Here is the General Olufemi Oluyede Biography. General Olufemi Oluyede is the current acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu after the demise of the substantive COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who died on 5 November 2024 from a brief illness while serving President Tinubu.
Before this appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna. Oluyede has held many commands since his commissioning as an officer. He was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer Guards Brigade, Commandant Amphibious Training School.
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In this article, we will share with you all you need to know about his life in the military before faith faulted him for being the acting Chief of Army Staff (AG COAS). Before we move forward, Let us briefly discuss General Olufemi Oluyede career, Biography, Family life, career, and achievements. So, Let’s get started!
Who is General Olufemi Oluyede?
Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede career started as a seasoned officer in the Nigerian Army spanning over three decades. A graduate of the 39th Regular Course, Oluyede has a wealth of experience in military strategy and command, and he has consistently demonstrated leadership excellence in numerous operations. Before this appointment, he served as the 56th Commander of the Nigerian Army’s elite Infantry Corps, based in Jaji, Kaduna.
General Olufemi Oluyede Biography: Career and Military Journey
General Oluyede has been a brave leader and fighter. His service in the military has earned him more recognition, impacting his military journey. He was officially commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, with service retroactively recognized from 1987. Promoted to Major General in September 2020.
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Moreover, Major General Oluyede has climbed the ranks within the Nigerian Army, displaying tactical skills and exhibiting strong leadership in different roles. His military milestones are marked by honors, key appointments, and active participation in some of the nation’s major military operations.
Family
Married with three children.
Education: He completed the prestigious Staff Course and is a member of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS). Major General Oluyede’s extensive leadership experience has prepared him well for his new position as the Acting Chief of Army Staff.
General Oluyede Educational Background
Birth Year: 1968, making him 56 years old as of 2024 Military Family. He was born into a military-oriented family, which influenced his early interest in a military career.
He also attended the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), where he was a Member of the 39th Regular Course alongside Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja.
General Olufemi Oluyede Early Career and Military Journey
Commissioning: Officially commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992, with service retroactively recognized from 1987.
Promotion: Promoted to Major General in September 2020. Over the years, Major General Oluyede has climbed the ranks within the Nigerian Army, displaying strong leadership and tactical skills in various roles. His military journey is marked by key appointments, honors, and active participation in some of the nation’s major military operations.
Key Positions Held
Prior to his appointment as the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede held several notable positions which are:
Advertisement Commander, Infantry Corps: The Infantry Corps is among the highest in the Nigerian Army. Major General Oluyede was the 56th Commander of the Nigerian Army’s elite Infantry Corps, Jaji, Kaduna State. This achievement has equipped him with a robust experience in training, strategy, and leadership.
Commanding Officer, 65 Battalion: Oluyede started his military leadership journey as a platoon commander and adjutant within the 65 Battalion before eventually advancing to the position of company commander of the 177 Guards Battalion.
Staff Officer, Guards Brigade: As a Guards Brigade, he contributed to the strategic security of Nigeria’s seat of power, given the Guards Brigade’s responsibility to secure the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Commandant, Amphibious Training School: Oluyede oversaw the training of troops in amphibious and special operations, a position that expanded his expertise in unconventional warfare and rapid deployment.
Commander, 27 Task Force Brigade: Major General Oluyede led the 27 Task Force Brigade in the North East as part of Operation HADIN KAI, a crucial war for Nigeria to fight and end the insurgency. He directed counter-insurgency operations focused on combatting and eliminating Boko Haram in the region.
International and National Operations
Oluyede has represented Nigeria in various peacekeeping and conflict resolution missions. Among these includes the following:
ECOMOG Mission in Liberia: He served in the West African peacekeeping mission to stabilize Liberia during its civil war, gaining experience in international military collaboration.
Operation HARMONY IV: Involved in the Bakassi Peninsula land disputes, this assignment focused on securing Nigeria’s interests in the region during border conflicts with Cameroon.
Operation HADIN KAI: The Hadi Kai operation is based in northeastern Nigeria, General Oluyede played a prominent role in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against Boko Haram, a key operation in national security. Recent Appointment as Acting Chief of Army Staff President Bola Tinubu appointed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff on October 30, 2024.
General Olufemi Oluyede Achievements and Honors
General Olufemi Oluyede has clinched various awards at different levels of his career, including the following:
International Missions: Participated in the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) mission in Liberia.
Domestic Operations: Commanded the 27 Task Force Brigade in Operation HADIN KAI in the North East.
Awards: Received numerous accolades, including the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, the Field Command Medal, and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.
Corps Medal of Honour: Recognizing his outstanding leadership within the Infantry Corps.
Grand Service Star: Awarded for his exceptional contributions to the Nigerian Army.
Passing the Staff Course (PSC) signifies his strategic and operational readiness for higher command roles.
Member of the National Institute (mni): A testament to his academic and professional achievements in military strategy.
Field Command Medal: Honoring his leadership during active field operations.
Field Command Medal of Honour: Recognizing his contributions to command duties and successful missions.
Field Training Medal: Awarded for his commitment to improving military training standards.
Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award: This coveted award is given to officers who demonstrate exceptional leadership and service.
Summary
Major Gen. Oluyede’s early career as a military personnel and his birth into a military family before he was appointed to be the acting chief of army staff, General Olufemi Oluyede’s Biography, is a testament to his commitment to Nigeria’s security and stability.
His achievement has served as a motivation for many within the military and beyond. As someone who has served Nigeria with strength and power during critical times, his legacy will forever be remembered for national security and his role in mentoring the next general of fighter and military leaders.
