Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has congratulated Major-General Olufemi Oluyede on his appointment as acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) by President Bola Tinubu.
The appointment, announced on Wednesday, places Oluyede, an Ikere-Ekiti native, at the helm of the Nigerian Army in an acting capacity pending the return of the substantive COAS, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who is currently receiving medical treatment abroad.
Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for selecting Oluyede, and lauded the general’s integrity and accomplishments in the military.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, Oyebanji noted that Oluyede’s wealth of experience, including his recent role as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps in Jaji, Kaduna, positions him well for the responsibilities of the COAS role.
“We have absolute confidence in General Oluyede’s ability to excel on this new assignment,” Oyebanji said. “He is a gallant officer with proven integrity and a distinguished career in the military. We urge him to bring his expertise to bear, especially at this critical period.”
The governor also extended well-wishes to Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, wishing him a speedy recovery and expressing optimism for his return.
“We, the government and people of Ekiti State, extend hearty congratulations to General Oluyede and wish him God’s guidance in his new role. We also appreciate President Tinubu for recognizing his capabilities and granting him this elevation,” Oyebanji added.