Agbakoba: Tinubu Acted Wisely in Reshuffling Service Chiefs if Coup Rumour Was True
By Erewunmi Peace
Senior lawyer and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) president, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his recent reshuffle of the nation’s service chiefs, saying the decision was a “wise and timely move” if reports of a coup plot within the military were true.
Agbakoba made the comment while reacting to widespread speculation that the shake-up, announced earlier this week, was prompted by intelligence suggesting a possible coup attempt.
“If the rumour of a coup attempt is true, then President Tinubu acted very wisely,” Agbakoba said, according to TheCable. “Leadership demands proactive decisions to protect the nation’s democracy.”
President Tinubu on October 24, 2025, approved sweeping changes to Nigeria’s security leadership, replacing the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, with Maj. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, among other key appointments. The Presidency said the reshuffle was part of ongoing efforts to “strengthen national security and ensure stability.”
Although government officials have not confirmed any coup attempt, the Defence Headquarters earlier this week dismissed reports of a planned military takeover, describing them as “false and malicious.”
Political analysts note that the timing of the changes—coming days after the alleged coup rumours—has fueled speculation about possible unrest within the armed forces.
Tinubu’s move, however, has drawn praise from some quarters for demonstrating assertive leadership and reinforcing civilian control over the military.
