Tinubu Swiftly Appoints Maj Gen Olufemi Oluyede as Acting Chief of Army Staff in Response to Lagbaja’s Health Struggles

In a recent development in Nigeria’s military leadership, President Bola Tinubu has appointed Maj Gen Olufemi Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS). The appointment was announced on Wednesday by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, who clarified that Oluyede will serve in this capacity while the current Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, receives medical treatment overseas. According to Onanuga, the appointment is “pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff,” signaling a temporary yet crucial leadership change in Nigeria’s Army.

This shift in leadership has drawn public attention and interest in Maj Gen Olufemi Oluyede’s background and career. As the 56th Commander of the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps, Maj Gen Olufemi Oluyede brings decades of experience to the role, including stints in high-stakes operations in Liberia, Bakassi, and Nigeria’s North East. Many military analysts view this appointment as a strategic move by Tinubu to maintain continuity and stability in the Nigerian Army during a sensitive period.

Background of Acting COAS Oluyede: A Decorated Military Career

Maj Gen Olufemi Oluyede, a respected officer in the Nigerian Army, has a commendable history of service and leadership across various command positions. A member of the 39th Regular Course alongside Lt Gen Lagbaja, Olufemi Oluyede was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1992 and rose to the rank of Major General in September 2020. Over his extensive career, he has served as Platoon Commander, Adjutant at the 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, and Commandant of the Amphibious Training School.

Maj Gen Olufemi Oluyede’s deployments have included participating in the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) mission in Liberia and Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi. More recently, he led Nigeria’s efforts in Operation HADIN KAI, a counterinsurgency campaign against Boko Haram in the North East. His leadership in these operations, along with his honors, including the Corps Medal of Honour and the Grand Service Star, have established him as a well-regarded figure within military ranks.

Controversy Surrounding Lagbaja’s Health and Appointment Speculations

Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja’s recent absence from duty has sparked numerous speculations and unfounded rumors regarding his health. The situation intensified on October 20, 2024, when reports circulated on social media claiming that Lagbaja had succumbed to cancer. The news, allegedly sourced from a Nigerian journalist, went viral, prompting a wave of public and media inquiries. The post reported that the Army Chief had died overseas and that the information was kept secret due to lobbying efforts within the military hierarchy.

The Nigerian Army promptly debunked these claims as “fake news” on the social media platform X. Additionally, the Defence Headquarters issued a formal statement clarifying that Lagbaja remains alive, albeit critically ill, and is receiving medical care abroad. Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Acting Director of Defence Information, emphasized that there was no truth to the rumors and that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, had recently spoken with Lagbaja, verifying his condition.

Official Sources Call for Prayers and Dismiss Speculations

In light of the sensitive nature of Lt Gen Lagbaja’s health, official sources within the Nigerian Army have appealed to the public for discretion and prayers rather than spreading unverified information. An anonymous source from the Army Headquarters stated that while Lagbaja is indeed critically ill, any rumors of his death are false and detrimental to both the Army and his family. “He is out of the country for treatment. We should be praying for him at this critical time and not spreading rumors,” the source added, underlining the need for sensitivity.

Another senior military official confirmed that the COAS had traveled for medical treatment and stated there was no conceivable way such significant information could remain concealed if true. The appointment of Maj Gen Olufemi Oluyede as acting COAS is seen as a proactive measure by President Tinubu’s administration to sustain the leadership structure within the Army while Lagbaja continues his recovery.

Implications of Maj Gen Olufemi Oluyede’s Appointment on the Nigerian Army

Maj Gen Olufemi Oluyede’s appointment as acting Chief of Army Staff is expected to bring both continuity and operational stability to Nigeria’s military leadership. With his proven track record in various military commands and as a decorated leader, Oluyede’s assumption of the COAS role has generally been met with support. Analysts note that his experience in commanding Nigeria’s elite infantry units and involvement in high-stakes military operations make him a suitable choice for the interim period.

The appointment also underscores Tinubu’s strategic approach to managing critical national institutions. By selecting an experienced and decorated officer, Tinubu has reassured the public of the military’s continuity and ability to uphold national security during this period. Observers expect Maj Gen Olufemi Oluyede’s tenure to be marked by a seamless continuation of current policies and strategies, ensuring that the Nigerian Army remains resilient in the face of evolving security challenges.