Babafemi Ojudu Reveals Plot to Impeach Former Ekiti Governor Fayose with Obasanjo’s Support
Babafemi Ojudu, the former Special Adviser on Political Matters to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has revealed how he orchestrated the impeachment of former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose. In a candid disclosure made during an appearance on Edmund Obilo’s podcast, State Affairs, Ojudu explained the strategic move that led to Fayose’s ousting in 2006.
Ojudu shared that the plot was made possible with the support of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. “I plotted and scripted the impeachment of Fayose in Ekiti. I used Obasanjo and when he realized it, he fought back against me,” Ojudu confessed. According to him, he reached an agreement with key stakeholders to ensure Fayose’s impeachment while guaranteeing that his deputy would be spared.
The process was carefully planned, with Ojudu taking the lawmakers involved to Lagos, where they were housed in hotels, fed, and kept under close watch. Despite not being a senator, Ojudu revealed that his financial resources and network helped fuel the operation. “I was not a senator, I was a journalist who had money and my friends gave me money. They were not happy with him, I saw that weak link and I exploited it,” he explained.
While the plan was underway, Obasanjo reportedly grew upset when he discovered the details of the impeachment. Ojudu recounted how the former president then sent soldiers to Ekiti to support the deputy governor, who attempted to proclaim herself as governor. However, Ojudu’s intervention and strategic efforts led to the declaration of a state of emergency in Ekiti.
Following the impeachment, Fayose filed a lawsuit against Ojudu for libel, which led to a lengthy legal battle. Ojudu’s lawyer, human rights advocate Femi Falana, helped him present a solid defense. The court ultimately sided with Ojudu, with Justice Daramola telling Fayose, “You have no honour and integrity.”
Fayose, who had been elected governor of Ekiti on May 29, 2003, after defeating the incumbent, Niyi Adebayo, saw his tenure abruptly ended by the impeachment on October 16, 2006.
