In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, Babafemi Ojudu, who later served as Special Adviser to former President Buhari, has openly admitted to orchestrating the controversial impeachment of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose in 2006.
During a candid interview on the “State Affairs with Edmund Obilo” podcast yesterday, Ojudu lifted the veil on one of Nigerian politics’ most intriguing episodes, revealing how he, then working as a journalist, strategically engineered Fayose’s removal from office with initial support from former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The plot, as Ojudu described it, was meticulously planned. He arranged for Ekiti lawmakers to be housed in Lagos hotels, personally managing their accommodation and movements.
“I plotted and scripted the impeachment of Fayose in Ekiti,” Ojudu stated matter-of-factly, adding that he had signed an agreement specifically targeting Fayose while protecting his deputy.
However, the political maneuver eventually backfired. Obasanjo, upon discovering Ojudu’s full role in the scheme, retaliated by providing military support to the deputy governor’s attempt to claim power.
This led to a dramatic standoff that ultimately resulted in the declaration of a state of emergency in Ekiti.
The revelation provides new context to the abrupt end of Fayose’s first term, which began in May 2003 when he defeated incumbent Niyi Adebayo, only to be cut short by impeachment in October 2006.
Ojudu also recounted a subsequent libel case brought against him by Fayose, which ended with a memorable rebuke from Justice Daramola, who reportedly questioned Fayose’s honor and integrity.
“I had money and my friends gave me money,” Ojudu explained, describing how he, as a well-resourced journalist at the time, saw and exploited what he called a “weak link” in Fayose’s political position.
