REBUTTAL: BAYO OJULARI CLARIFIES RESIGNATION, DISMISSES “ABDUCTION” CLAIMS AS FICTION

Bayo Ojulari.
Contrary to the sensational and wildly inaccurate report by Peoples Gazette alleging that the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Mr. Bayo Ojulari, was “abducted and forced to resign” by security officials, we categorically state that the story is nothing more than a poorly scripted work of fiction, better suited for a Nollywood thriller than credible journalism.

Unlike the Gazette’s dramatic tale of midnight kidnappings and shadowy coups, Mr. Ojulari voluntarily tendered his resignation after due consultations with higher authorities in Abuja. His decision followed the recent official trip to Kigali for an oil and gas conference—a legitimate business engagement aimed at advancing Nigeria’s energy sector interests.

“I was neither arrested nor strong-armed into resigning,” Mr. Ojulari clarified with amusement. “In fact, the only ‘pressure’ I faced was from my own conscience and commitment to accountability after the unnecessary controversy stirred around the Kigali trip. My resignation was a personal decision, submitted through the appropriate channels—not at gunpoint in some spy movie scenario.”

The report’s claim that EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede and DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi orchestrated an illegal “coup” to remove him is not only baseless but laughable. “If I were to be ‘forced out,’ it certainly wouldn’t be in silence—I’d have at least negotiated for a better headline!” Ojulari joked.

As for the bizarre insinuations about British-Nigerian businesswoman Olatimbo Ayinde, Mr. Ojulari maintains that he has no personal or professional dealings with her and finds it curious that her name keeps appearing in unrelated matters. “I’ve spent decades in the oil and gas industry, building a reputation on transparency and expertise—not gossip columns,” he stated firmly.

While Peoples Gazette may thrive on conspiracy theories and clickbait, the truth remains simple: Mr. Ojulari resigned honorably, the NNPCL continues its operations uninterrupted, and Nigeria’s energy sector remains focused on progress—not palace intrigue.

We urge the public to disregard this fictional account and instead rely on verified statements from official channels. After all, in the words of Mr. Ojulari: “If I were going to stage a dramatic exit, I’d at least make sure it came with a soundtrack and better lighting.”