General Olufemi Oluyede: Profile, Age, Local Government, tribe of the new Chief of Defence Staff

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Lieutenant-General Olufemi Oluyede as the next Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), as part of a sweeping military leadership shake-up aimed at tackling the country’s mounting security challenges.

The leadership change comes amid renewed concern over insurgency, banditry, and separatist unrest across Nigeria.

Analysts say the reshuffle signals Tinubu’s intent to revitalise the Armed Forces’ command structure.

I have approved changes in the hierarchy of our Armed Forces to further strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture.

General Olufemi Oluyede is appointed Chief of Defence Staff, Major-General W. Shaibu becomes Chief of Army Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke is Chief of…

— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) October 24, 2025

Mr Tinubu’s statement emphasised that the new chiefs must “justify the confidence reposed in them” by enhancing professionalism, vigilance and comradeship within the military.

Who is General Olufemi Oluyede?

Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede is a distinguished Nigerian Army officer who has recently stepped into the nation’s highest military office.

His appointment as the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) marks a significant chapter in Nigeria’s security architecture, placing him at the helm of the entire Armed Forces.

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This featured article offers an in-depth look at the man leading the charge, covering his comprehensive profile, age, state of origin, local government involvement, and tribal background.

Full Name: Lieutenant General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede

Born: 1968

Age: 57 (as of October 2025)

State of Origin: Ekiti State

Local Government Area (LGA): Ikere Local Government Area (LGA)

Tribe: Yoruba

Alma Mater: Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)

Course: 39th Regular Course

Previous Role: Chief of Army Staff (COAS) (2024–2025)

Military Career and Ascent to Chief of Defence Staff

Lieutenant General Oluyede’s journey in the Nigerian Army is one of consistent dedication and command leadership.

Early Career and Commissioning

Oluyede began his military training in 1987 as a cadet at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), where he was a member of the prestigious 39th Regular Course. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1992, with his service officially commencing from that year.

Command and Operational Experience

His extensive operational experience has seen him serve in both national and international capacities, preparing him for the highest office.

Key roles include: Commander of the 27 Task Force Brigade in the North East, where he contributed significantly to Operation HADIN KAI.

Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army in Jaji, Kaduna.

Participation in international missions such as the ECOMOG Mission in Liberia and Operation HARMONY IV in Bakassi.

The Path to CDS

Before his elevation, General Oluyede held the critical position of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), a role he assumed in October 2024.

His subsequent appointment to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) on October 24, 2025, by the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Tinubu, solidified his position as the leader of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

General Olufemi Oluyede Background

Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede’s background is rooted in the South-Western region of Nigeria.

Age and Birth

Born in 1968, Lieutenant General Oluyede is 57 years old as of October 2025. His age reflects a mix of decades-long military experience and a strategic, modern approach to national security.

Local Government and State of Origin

General Oluyede hails from Ekiti State. Specifically, he was born in Ikere, which is a prominent town and serves as the headquarters for the Ikere Local Government Area (LGA). Ekiti State is known for its academic excellence and rich cultural history.

Tribal Background

As a native of Ekiti State, General Oluyede’s tribe is Yoruba. The Yoruba people constitute one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, predominantly found in the South-West geopolitical zone. This heritage connects him to a deep history of leadership, culture, and communal values.