President Bola Tinubu has postponed the Federal Executive Council meeting originally scheduled for Wednesday, as a mark of respect for the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, who passed away on Tuesday night.

The announcement came through a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy.

Lt. General Lagbaja, who served as Chief of Army Staff from June 19, 2023, until his passing on November 5, 2024, was remembered for his dedication and service. In tribute, President Tinubu directed that flags be flown at half-staff across the nation for seven days.

Earlier on Wednesday, the President extended his heartfelt sympathies to the Lagbaja family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, expressing deep appreciation for the general’s significant contributions to the country. President Tinubu wished him eternal peace and comfort for his family in this time of grief. A new date for the FEC meeting will be announced soon. Taoreed Lagbaja has passed away at the age of 56.

READ ALSO :Presidency announces passing of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja

Credible News recalls that President Bola Tinubu appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff on October 30.

This was disclosed in a statement by Bayo Onanuga, noting that Oluyede will hold sway as the COAS pending the return of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who was said to be indisposed and was receiving treatment abroad.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, has appointed Major General Olufemi Olatubosun Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff, COAS,” the statement read.

“Oluyede will act in the position pending the return of the indisposed substantive Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja,” it noted.

Until his appointment, Oluyede served as the 56th Commander of the elite Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army, based in Jaji, Kaduna.

The 56-year-old Oluyede and Lagbaja were coursemates and members of the 39th Regular Course.

He was commissioned a second lieutenant in 1992, effective from 1987. He rose to Major-General in September 2020.

Oluyede has held many commands since his commissioning as an officer. He was Platoon Commander and adjutant at 65 Battalion, Company Commander at 177 Guards Battalion, Staff Officer Guards Brigade, Commandant Amphibious Training School.

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