Meet Nigeria’s New Chief of Defence Staff: Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede
President Tinubu Ushers in a New Era of Military Leadership and National Security Reform
By Angel Mike.
In a bold move to strengthen Nigeria’s defence architecture and reinforce national security, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). The appointment, made in October 2025, represents a significant step in the President’s drive to modernize the Armed Forces, improve inter-agency coordination, and restore public confidence in the nation’s security institutions.
With an impressive record of service, General Oluyede brings decades of operational experience, strategic vision, and proven leadership to his new role—positioning him as the right man to lead Nigeria’s military into a new era of discipline and efficiency.
Early Life and Education
Born on June 21, 1968, in Ikere-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Lieutenant General Oluyede hails from a family known for integrity and patriotism. His early passion for national service led him to the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna, where he emerged as one of the finest members of the 39th Regular Course.
He holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Economics from the Nigerian Defence Academy and has attended several elite institutions, including the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.
Distinguished Military Career
Lieutenant General Oluyede’s military journey is marked by exceptional professionalism and dedication. Over the years, he has commanded critical formations and participated in major operations aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereignty and regional peace.
He played strategic roles in:
- The ECOMOG Peacekeeping Mission in Liberia,
- Operation LAFIYA DOLE, and
- Operation HADIN KAI in the North East.
Before his elevation to CDS, he served as Chief of Army Staff (COAS), where he championed reforms focused on improved troop welfare, operational efficiency, and joint-force synergy across the military services.
Training, Awards, and Recognition
General Oluyede’s quest for professional excellence has taken him through several command, staff, and leadership courses both locally and internationally.
He has been decorated with numerous military honours, including:
NAM, CMH, GSS, pC, FCM, FCMH, TSM, COM, and CCA.
These recognitions reflect his unflinching dedication to duty, his commitment to the welfare of troops, and his outstanding service to the Nigerian Armed Forces.
Renowned for his discipline, humility, and strategic foresight, Lieutenant General Oluyede is seen as a transformational leader. His leadership philosophy is anchored on:
- Strengthening joint-force collaboration,
- Enhancing intelligence-driven security operations,
- Prioritizing troop welfare and morale, and
- Promoting civil-military cooperation to ensure lasting peace and stability.
Under his stewardship, the Nigerian military is expected to experience renewed purpose and professionalism.
A New Era Under President Tinubu’s Leadership
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s appointment of Lieutenant General Oluyede aligns with his broader vision of revamping Nigeria’s security sector through competent, tested, and forward-thinking officers.
The decision has been met with widespread commendation, with defence analysts and citizens alike describing it as “a decisive step toward restoring strength, discipline, and unity within Nigeria’s Armed Forces.”
