The Biography of Ayo Oke: Nigeria’s seasoned career diplomat

In an exclusive report monitored by our Journalist, Very Nigerian can confirm that seasoned career diplomat Ayo Oke has been named Ambassador-Designate, bringing him back into Nigeria’s diplomatic spotlight.

Oyo-born Oke, a former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), has had a long and eventful career in Nigeria’s foreign and intelligence services, including postings at the Commonwealth Secretariat in London.

His appointment comes years after his highly publicized suspension from the NIA, and following the withdrawal of all EFCC charges against him in June 2023.

Ayo Oke is a distinguished Nigerian career diplomat with extensive experience in foreign service and intelligence.

He studied Economics and Political Science at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, in the United States, before embarking on a diplomatic career that would see him serve both at home and abroad.

Prior to his appointment as the head of the NIA, he served as Director (Regions) at the agency’s headquarters, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s external intelligence operations.

He was appointed Director-General of the NIA on November 7, 2013, by then-President Goodluck Jonathan, succeeding Ezekiel Olaniyi Oladeji.

His tenure came to a controversial end on October 30, 2017, when President Muhammadu Buhari relieved him of his duties following a probe into a major financial scandal.

In April 2017, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) raided an apartment at Osborne Towers in Ikoyi, Lagos, where substantial amounts of cash, about $43.4 million, £27,800, and ₦23 million, were recovered. The property was later described by Oke as a “safe house.”

A committee led by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo investigated the incident and recommended his removal, which was approved by the president.

His Case with the EFCC

In February 2019, the Federal High Court in Lagos issued a warrant for the arrest of Ayo Oke and his wife, Folasade Oke, following an EFCC application.

The couple was declared wanted after failing to appear in court, reportedly travelling abroad for “medical treatment.”

They faced charges of theft and large-scale money laundering, including the funds recovered from the Ikoyi apartment and an additional allegation involving the diversion of roughly $160 million in public funds.

However, all charges against them were formally withdrawn by the EFCC in June 2023, shortly after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office.

Ayo Oke’s appointment as Ambassador-Designate underscores his extensive diplomatic experience, international exposure, and resilience in navigating complex national service challenges.

As he prepares to assume this new role, all eyes are on how his wealth of experience will shape Nigeria’s future diplomatic engagements.

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