Acting army chief promoted Lieutenant General as Lagbaja’s fate remains dicey
The Acting Army Chief of Staff Olufemi Oluyede, who was recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu has been promoted Lieutenant General following controversial health of Lieutenant General, Taoreed Lagbaja who as at the time of this report is the Army Chief of Staff.
Penpushing reports that Oluyede a Major-General, was decorated with the new rank at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT, an indication he is set to be made substantive army chief, as fate of the ailing Lagbaja remains uncertain.
The Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, however, insisted on Tuesday that Oluyede is still Acting Army Chief, when further probe he kept mute, but a source said the presidency will release a statement on the matter soon
Penpushing further reports that 56-year-old Oluyede until his appointment, served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna and was course mate of the ailing Lagbaja and members of the 39th Regular Course.
The promoted military officer was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987, rose to Major-General in September 2020 and has held many command positions since his commissioning as an officer.
Penpushing also reports that he was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer Guards Brigade, Commandant Amphibious Training School.
The Acting Army Chief participated in several operations, including the Economic Community of West African States Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East theatre of operations, where he commanded 27 Task Force Brigade.
Penpushing reports that Oluyede has earned many honours for his meritorious service in various fields of operations. These include the Corps Medal of Honour, the Grand Service Star, Passing the Staff Course, and Membership in the National Institute
The Acting Army Chief of Staff married with three children received the Field Command Medal, the Field Command Medal of Honour, and the Field Training Medal, equally received the coveted Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.
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