Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede was born in Ekiti State, Nigeria, in 1968. Growing up in Ekiti, Oluyede showed a keen interest in a disciplined life and leadership, which later guided him toward a career in the Nigerian Army. With a passion for military service, he joined the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) as a part of the 39th Regular Course, completing rigorous training and earning his commission as a Second Lieutenant in 1987.
Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), 39th Regular Course
Commission Date
1987
Additional Training
Staff Course, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS)
Military Career and Experience
Major General Oluyede has had a distinguished military career with the Nigerian Army, holding multiple strategic and operational roles across different capacities. His initial assignments saw him as a Platoon Commander and adjutant in the 65 Battalion, followed by his role as a Company Commander in the 177 Guards Battalion. With his dedication and tactical acumen, he quickly rose through the ranks and undertook several notable commands and staff positions.
Position
Details
Platoon Commander & Adjutant
65 Battalion
Company Commander
177 Guards Battalion
Staff Officer
Guards Brigade
Commanding Officer
Amphibious Training School
Brigade Commander
27 Task Force Brigade, Operation HADIN KAI (North East Theatre)
Notable Operations and Missions
Major General Oluyede has participated in multiple high-profile military operations that have been vital for Nigeria and its regional alliances. His contributions have included peacekeeping, counter-insurgency, and safeguarding territorial integrity in different regions.
Operation
Role
ECOMOG Mission in Liberia
Participant
Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi
Commander
Operation HADIN KAI in the North East
Brigade Commander (27 Task Force Brigade)
Awards and Commendations
In recognition of his outstanding service, Major General Oluyede has received several prestigious awards throughout his career. His dedication to duty and exceptional leadership have been acknowledged at various levels within the Nigerian Army.
Award
Description
Corps Medal of Honour
Awarded for outstanding service in the corps
Grand Service Star
Recognition of meritorious service and leadership
Field Command Medal
Honoring his effective leadership in command positions
Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award
For distinguished contributions to the Nigerian Army
Appointment as Acting Chief of Army Staff
On October 30, 2024, President Bola Tinubu appointed Major General Oluyede as the Acting Chief of Army Staff. This temporary appointment came following the medical leave of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja. Major General Oluyede’s extensive experience and deep understanding of military operations make him a suitable choice to lead the Nigerian Army during this interim period.
Attribute
Details
Appointment Date
October 30, 2024
Appointed By
President Bola Tinubu
Role Description
Oversee Nigerian Army operations as Acting Chief of Army Staff
Predecessor
Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja (on medical leave)
Educational and Professional Development
In addition to his military training, Major General Oluyede has pursued further professional studies to deepen his strategic understanding and enhance his leadership skills. He completed the Staff Course, a prerequisite for senior military officers, and also attended the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), which is one of Nigeria’s most prestigious institutions for policy-making and strategic leadership.
Education/Training
Institution
Staff Course
Nigerian Defence Academy
National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS)
Kuru, Nigeria
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question
Answer
Who is Major General Olufemi Oluyede?
He is a senior officer in the Nigerian Army, currently serving as the Acting Chief of Army Staff.
What is his state of origin?
Ekiti State, Nigeria.
When was he born?
He was born in 1968, making him 56 years old as of 2024.
What is his educational background?
He attended the Nigerian Defence Academy and completed the Staff Course. He is also a member of NIPSS.
When did he join the Nigerian Army?
He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1987.
What are some of his notable military roles?
Platoon Commander, Company Commander, Staff Officer at the Guards Brigade, Commanding Officer at Amphibious Training School, and Brigade Commander in Operation HADIN KAI.
What operations has he participated in?
ECOMOG Mission in Liberia, Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi, and Operation HADIN KAI in the North East.
What awards has he received?
Corps Medal of Honour, Grand Service Star, Field Command Medal, and Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award.
Is he married?
Yes, Major General Oluyede is married and has three children.
What is his current role?
Acting Chief of Army Staff, Nigerian Army.
Personal Life and Family
While details of his personal life remain largely private, it is known that Major General Oluyede is married and has three children. His family has supported him throughout his career, which has involved significant service and deployment in various parts of Nigeria and beyond.
Attribute
Details
Marital Status
Married
Children
Three
Residence
Abuja (official residence)
Legacy and Influence
Major General Oluyede’s career serves as a testament to his dedication, leadership, and professionalism. His contributions to various military operations, both within Nigeria and in peacekeeping missions abroad, have earned him a respected reputation. Known for his strategic insights and operational effectiveness, Oluyede has set a standard for future leaders in the Nigerian Army, showing resilience, competence, and a commitment to national security.
Aspect
Details
Contributions
Significant role in Nigerian Army’s counter-insurgency efforts, peacekeeping, and strategic operations.
Leadership Style
Tactical, resilient, and focused on operational effectiveness.
Influence
Inspiration for junior officers, contributing to Nigerian Army reforms and modernization.
Summary
Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede’s life and career embody dedication to national service and commitment to military excellence. From his early days in Ekiti to his current role as Acting Chief of Army Staff, he has remained steadfast in his duty to protect Nigeria’s interests and contribute to regional peace and stability. His achievements, awards, and leadership roles underline his standing as one of Nigeria’s distinguished military figures.
