The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, has allegedly been compelled to sign a resignation letter under pressure from top security officials, according to a report by Kogitribune on Saturday.
The report claims that Ojulari was confronted on Friday 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. Sources familiar with the situation alleged that the NNPCL boss was “hijacked” and forced to resign during the meeting.
Insiders said Ojulari was questioned about his relationship with Olatimbo Ayinde, a British-Nigerian oil entrepreneur who has reportedly gained significant influence within President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
“Mr Ojulari told us he didn’t know Olatimbo Ayinde,” a source familiar with the matter told Kogitribune reporter requesting anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue.
Neither the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, nor Mr Ojulari has responded to requests for comment as of Saturday afternoon.
The reported development comes just weeks after the NNPCL publicly raised concerns over alleged sabotage and internal power plays targeting the company’s leadership.
The alleged forced resignation has raised fresh questions about political interference and opaque decision-making at the highest levels of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. The presidency and security agencies have yet to officially comment on the matter.
