The Group Managing Director of NNPCL, Bayo Ojulari has allegedly been coerced into signing a resignation letter, according to a report by Peoples Gazette citing security insiders.
According to the report, Ojulari was hijacked on Friday and pressured to sign a resignation letter by Ola Olukoyede, chairman of anti-graft EFCC, and Adeola Ajayi, director-general of the State Security Service.
It was reported that the alleged incident occurred on Friday, according to sources who spoke with the news platform.
Sources said Mr Ojulari was repeatedly questioned about what he might know of Olatimbo Ayinde, a British-Nigerian oil businesswoman who has recently emerged as one of the most powerful forces steering the Tinubu administration.
“Mr Ojulari told us he didn’t know Olatimbo Ayinde,” the source, who preferred anonymity, told Peoples Gazette.
However, the spokesman of EFCC, Dele Oyewale, has not officially responded to the enquiry on the matter.
Also, Mr Ojulari did not immediately return multiple requests seeking comments about the development on Saturday afternoon.
The incident, described by sources as a “coup d’état,” reportedly occurred on Friday night and allegedly involved Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman Ola Olukoyede and the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Adeola Ajayi.
Notably, insiders claim President Bola Tinubu was unaware of the operation.
“He told us he didn’t know Olatimbo Ayinde,” an official familiar with the interrogation disclosed anonymously to the online platform.
“He also said he heard she was trying to control businesses at NNPC, and he rejected such moves.”
Ayinde, a British-Nigerian oil magnate recently seen as influential within the Tinubu administration, is currently facing bribery charges in the UK involving former Nigerian oil ministers.
Reports suggest that Nigerian anti-graft officials have been instructed to stall British requests for evidence related to her prosecution.
Ojulari, a former Shell executive, was appointed GMD in April by President Tinubu, who cited his deep expertise in hydrocarbons.
However, his position reportedly came under threat following an NNPC-sponsored delegation to a Kigali oil and gas conference this July.
While figures remain unclear, sources claim millions of dollars were spent on the trip, prompting criticism.
Ojulari has denied wrongdoing and insisted his detractors are behind the negative campaign. Attempts to reach him for comments on Saturday were unsuccessful.
The presidency, SSS, and EFCC have yet to respond to media enquiries.
The unfolding controversy has triggered public concern over undue political interference in Nigeria’s oil sector and raised questions about Ayinde’s growing influence within the corridors of power.
Credit: Pulse.ng
