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How I Plotted Fayose’s Impeachment with Obasanjo — Ojudu

Babafemi Ojudu, former Special Adviser on Political Matters to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has lifted the veil on the strategic moves behind the impeachment of former Ekiti State governor, Ayodele Fayose.

Ojudu boldly revealed how he masterminded and orchestrated Fayose’s impeachment, with the backing of former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Speaking on Edmund Obilo’s podcast, State Affairs, released on the 9th of January, 2025, Ojudu shared the intricacies of his political maneuvering.

“I plotted and scripted the impeachment of Fayose in Ekiti. I used Obasanjo, and when he realized it, he fought back against me,” Ojudu admitted.

He continued, detailing the strategic play: “I had an agreement and signed that Fayose should be impeached, but we made sure his deputy was untouched.

“I took all the lawmakers to Lagos, put them up in hotels, fed them, and kept them entertained.”

Ojudu, who was then a journalist with financial backing from friends, explained how his money and connections helped him sway the lawmakers.

“I was not a senator, just a journalist with money, and my friends funded the mission. They weren’t happy with him, and I saw the weak link, which I exploited.”

Tensions escalated when Obasanjo, infuriated by Ojudu’s tactics, ordered soldiers to escort the deputy governor back to Ekiti and have her declare herself governor.

Ojudu, however, was quick to counteract, rallying resistance from the people.

“When she got there, I called people to resist her. They had no choice but to declare an emergency.”

The fallout included a libel suit filed by Fayose against Ojudu, but the journalist turned political strategist had his defense ready.

Represented by renowned lawyer Femi Falana, Ojudu presented his evidence in court.

After the proceedings, Justice Daramola delivered a decisive blow to Fayose, telling him, “You have no honor and integrity.”

Fayose, who initially took office on the 29th of May, 2003, after defeating then-incumbent Governor Niyi Adebayo, saw his tenure abruptly cut short on the 16th of October, 2006, following the impeachment.