Ojulari Denies Resignation Drama, Dismisses Abduction Rumours as “Fictional Nonsense”
Mr. Bayo Bashir Ojulari has officially confirmed his resignation as Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), describing it as a voluntary decision devoid of drama or external coercion.
In a statement titled “REBUTTAL: BAYO OJULARI CLARIFIES RESIGNATION, DISMISSES ‘ABDUCTION’ CLAIMS AS FICTION,” Ojulari dismissed a report by Peoples Gazette alleging that he was abducted and forced to resign by security operatives.
“The claim that I was kidnapped in some kind of cloak-and-dagger operation and forced out of office is nothing short of laughable,” Ojulari said. “That storyline belongs in a Nollywood thriller, not a newsroom.”
He clarified that his resignation came after a period of reflection and consultation with senior government officials following a legitimate business trip to Kigali for an oil and gas conference.
“There was no arrest, no duress, and certainly no midnight drama,” he explained. “The only pressure I felt was from my own conscience and commitment to transparency, particularly after the unnecessary noise that followed the Kigali engagement.”
Ojulari ridiculed claims that his resignation was orchestrated by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede and DSS DG Adeola Ajayi, calling them “baseless and comical.”
“If I were actually forced out, I assure you it wouldn’t have been quietly—I’d have made sure it at least came with a better headline,” he joked.
Addressing speculation linking him to British-Nigerian entrepreneur Olatimbo Ayinde, Ojulari dismissed the claims as unfounded. “I have no connection—personal or professional—with Ms. Ayinde, and I find it curious that her name keeps surfacing in unrelated matters.”
He emphasized that his legacy in the oil and gas sector is built on professionalism and integrity—not tabloid-style gossip.
“As far as I’m concerned, the Gazette can continue peddling conspiracies, but the truth remains unchanged: I resigned in good faith, NNPCL is functioning smoothly, and our national energy agenda remains on track,” he stated.
Ojulari concluded with a touch of humour: “If I were planning a dramatic exit, there’d at least be theme music and proper lighting.”
The statement urged the public to ignore sensational reports and instead rely on verified information from official channels.
