Ayodele Oke is a Nigerian diplomat and former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA). Born in Oyo State, he studied Economics and Political Science, built a long career in diplomacy and intelligence, and became widely known following the 2017 Ikoyi cash controversy.
AYODELE OKE PROFILE
| Name | Ayodele Oke |
| Real Name | Ayodele Oke |
| Date Of Birth | N/A |
| State Of Origin | Oyo State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Diplomat |
| Religion | Christian |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Copied From | Contents101.com |
AYODELE OKE BIOGRAPHY
Ayodele Oke, also known as Ayo Oke, was born in Oyo State, Nigeria. Although widely known in diplomatic and intelligence circles, very little is publicly documented about his early childhood, family background, or formative years.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Publicly available information indicates that Ayodele Oke studied Economics and Political Science at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. Beyond this, detailed records of his primary, secondary, or additional tertiary education have not been made public.
CAREER
Diplomatic Career
He served Nigeria in the foreign service for many years, including a major posting as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Commonwealth Secretariat in London. During this period, he gained recognition as a seasoned diplomat with experience in multilateral engagement and foreign relations.
National Intelligence Agency (NIA)
Oke later moved into intelligence work, rising through several ranks at the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Nigeria’s foreign intelligence arm. Before becoming the agency’s head, he served as Director (Regions) at NIA headquarters.
Director-General, NIA
On 7 November 2013, Ayodele Oke was appointed Director-General of the NIA by President Goodluck Jonathan.
As DG, he oversaw Nigeria’s external intelligence operations, covert activities, diplomatic intelligence coordination, and security-related international engagements. He remained in this position until his suspension and eventual dismissal in 2017.
CONTROVERSIES
Ikoyi Cash Discovery (2017)
In April 2017, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) discovered a large amount of cash in an Ikoyi apartment in Lagos linked to Oke’s family. The recovered money included millions of dollars, pounds sterling, and Nigerian naira. The apartment was said to have been purchased by his wife, raising questions about the source of the funds.
Suspension and Dismissal
Following the discovery, President Muhammadu Buhari suspended Oke from his role as DG of the NIA.
On 30 October 2017, he was officially removed from his position.
EFCC Charges
In 2019, EFCC filed charges against Oke and his wife, alleging that government funds were diverted for private use. Both were later declared wanted after failing to appear for court proceedings.
Case Withdrawal
In 2023, EFCC withdrew the charges on “national security” grounds, leading to the case being struck out by the court. The withdrawal remains controversial, with differing opinions on whether the funds were connected to covert intelligence operations or financial misconduct.
AYODELE OKE SOCIAL MEDIA HANDE
Ayo Oke is not active on social media.
PERSONAL LIFE
Ayodele Oke is married to Folasade (Folashade) Oke, who was prominently mentioned in the controversies surrounding the Ikoyi cash incident. Together, they have children.
AYODELE OKE NET WORTH
Ayodele Oke’s exact net worth is not publicly known.