Babafemi Ojudu, a former Special Adviser on Political Matters to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has openly admitted to being behind the impeachment of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose.
Fayose first assumed office as governor on May 29, 2003, after defeating the incumbent, Niyi Adebayo, in the state’s gubernatorial elections. However, his tenure was abruptly ended when he was impeached on October 16, 2006.
In a recent appearance on Edmund Obilo’s podcast, State Affairs, released on Thursday, Ojudu revealed that he had orchestrated Fayose’s impeachment with the backing of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Ojudu shared that Obasanjo was initially unaware of the plot but became upset when he discovered Ojudu’s involvement. He explained, “I took it upon myself to plan and execute the impeachment of Fayose in Ekiti. I enlisted Obasanjo’s support, but when he realized my role, he turned against me.”
He continued, “I had a deal in place to ensure that Fayose would be removed, but his deputy would remain untouched. I personally brought all the lawmakers to Lagos, where I provided them with accommodation, meals, and transportation.”
At the time, Ojudu was not a senator but a journalist with financial resources. He explained that his connections funded the efforts, stating, “I wasn’t in politics, but I had access to money from my friends. They were dissatisfied with Fayose, and I recognized that dissatisfaction as an opportunity.”
Ojudu also spoke about Obasanjo’s reaction to the unfolding situation. According to him, the former president became enraged and sent military personnel to support Fayose’s deputy in her bid to assume the governorship. “When she arrived in Ekiti, I coordinated resistance against her, and ultimately, they had no choice but to declare a state of emergency,” Ojudu added.
He also touched on a libel case that Fayose filed against him. “Fayose took me to court for libel, and I was represented by Femi Falana. In court, I presented my evidence, and after the proceedings, Justice Daramola told Fayose, ‘You have no honor or integrity.’”
