Ex-Presidential Aide Reveals How Fayose’s Impeachment Was Plotted with Obasanjo

A former presidential aide discloses behind-the-scenes details of plotting Ayodele Fayose’s impeachment with ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, shedding light on Nigeria’s political intrigues.

Babafemi Ojudu, who served as the Special Adviser on Political Matters to former President Muhammadu Buhari, has revealed his involvement in the impeachment of Ayodele Fayose, the former Governor of Ekiti State.

On Edmund Obilo’s podcast, State Affairs, released on Thursday, Ojudu disclosed that he played an active role in planning and orchestrating Fayose’s impeachment with support from former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

As he recounted the events, Ojudu illuminated the political strategies and maneuvers used to unseat Fayose, providing insight into the behind-the-scenes activities that influenced Ekiti State’s political history.

Ojudu stated, “I orchestrated and planned Fayose’s impeachment in Ekiti. I involved Obasanjo in the process, but when he caught on to my actions, he retaliated against me.”

I agreed and signed that Fayose should be impeached, but his deputy should remain in office. I brought all the lawmakers to Lagos, provided accommodation for them in hotels, and took care of their meals and entertainment.

I wasn’t a senator; I was a journalist with financial resources, and my friends contributed to that. They were displeased with him, so I identified the weak link and took advantage of it.

Obasanjo was furious and provided the deputy governor with soldiers to return to Ekiti and declare herself as governor. Upon her arrival, I rallied people to oppose her actions, leaving them no choice but to announce a state of emergency.

Fayose filed a libel lawsuit against me, and Falana represented me as my lawyer. I went to court and presented my evidence. By the time we concluded, Justice Daramola told Fayose that he lacked honor and integrity.

According to Platinumpost, Fayose assumed office as the second governor of Ekiti on May 29, 2003, following his victory over the incumbent Governor Niyi Adebayo in the gubernatorial elections.

His time in office ended prematurely due to his impeachment on October 16, 2006.