Babafemi Ojudu, a former Special Adviser on Political Matters to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, has disclosed how he and other close allies convinced President Bola Tinubu to reject an offer to serve as Minister of Finance during the administration of late President Umaru Yar’Adua.
Speaking during an interview on the State Affairs podcast hosted by Edmund Obilo, Ojudu recounted how Tinubu had enthusiastically informed him of the offer.
According to Ojudu, Tinubu had called him with the words, “Congratulations to me,” prompting a curious response.
“Congratulations for what?” Ojudu said he had asked, to which Tinubu replied, “President Yar’Adua has invited me to serve as Minister of Finance.”
Ojudu explained that he immediately advised against the move, warning Tinubu about the potential political risks involved.
He reminded Tinubu of the tragic fate of Bola Ige, the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, who was assassinated under mysterious circumstances while serving in the government of President Olusegun Obasanjo.
“You are in the Action Congress. Are you not a student of history? Have you forgotten what happened to Bola Ige? You would be digging your political grave if you accept that type of job,” Ojudu recalled saying.
The warnings did not come from Ojudu alone. Rauf Aregbesola, a close ally of Tinubu and former Governor of Osun State, also argued that accepting the position could harm Tinubu’s long-term political aspirations.
A businessman, who was part of the discussion, reportedly offered a contrasting perspective, suggesting that the role could benefit Tinubu and others. However, Ojudu stood his ground, warning about the dangers of the offer.
Ojudu further warned that such a move could lead to Tinubu being arrested, tried, and politically neutralized, mirroring what happened to Bola Ige.
“Our dream for him was bigger than a ministerial position in Yar’Adua’s government. Nine months down the line, they would have arrested him, tried him, and finished him off—just like Bola Ige,” Ojudu said.
