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y Tracy Moses
Fresh controversy has engulfed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) following revelations that its Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO), Mr. Bayo Ojulari, was allegedly coerced into signing a resignation letter under pressure from top security officials.
Multiple sources told Pointblanknees.com that Mr. Ojulari was taken into custody on Friday and pressured to resign by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, and the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Adeola Ajayi.
“The incident occurred on Friday. He was picked up and taken in for questioning. They compelled him to sign a resignation letter,” a source familiar with the development disclosed.
It was further gathered that during the interrogation, Mr. Ojulari was repeatedly questioned about hisrelationship with British-Nigerian oil magnate, Olatimbo Ayinde, reportedly one of the most influential behind-the-scenes figures in the Tinubu administration.
“Mr. Ojulari told us he didn’t know Olatimbo Ayinde,” a source who requested anonymity said.
The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, has not responded to official enquiries on the matter, and Mr. Ojulari himself did not reply to multiple messages seeking his comments as of press time on Saturday.
In a dramatic twist, First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu is said to have intervened in an attempt to reverse the forced resignation and save Ojulari’s job. However, insiders say her efforts may be frustrated by powerful interests within the administration who have already begun shopping for a replacement.
Our correspondent gathered that one of the likely contenders being considered for the top job is Mr. Roland Ewubare, a former NNPCL executive and seasoned technocrat with extensive experience in the oil and gas sector.
Meanwhile, political intrigue continues to swirl around the appointment. Sources close to the Presidency revealed that Ojulari’s growing confidence and perceived arrogance may have alienated some of his early backers.
Chief Dipo Eludoyin, a long-time friend of President Tinubu who reportedly recommended Ojulari for the position, is said to have withdrawn his support.
“He stopped taking Prince Eludoyin’s calls after he got into office. That’s when the tide began to turn against him,” one insider said.
This development comes amid heightened internal tension at NNPCL. Only recently, the company raised alarm over deliberate attempts to sabotage its leadership and operations from within and outside government circles.
With political interests clashing and institutional silence surrounding Ojulari’s fate, industry observers say the unfolding drama may yet trigger a major shakeup within the country’s oil and gas sector in the days ahead.