Ayodele Oke, a retired career diplomat and former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), has been nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Ambassador-designate.
His nomination marks the return of one of Nigeria’s most experienced foreign service professionals, known for his deep expertise in diplomacy, national security, and intelligence operations.
State of Origin
Oyo State, Nigeria
Professional Background
Ayodele Oke is a distinguished Nigerian diplomat with more than three decades of experience in international relations, intelligence coordination, and multilateral diplomacy. Over the span of his career, he played key roles in Nigeria’s foreign policy direction and intelligence reforms.
Oke served as Nigeria’s top intelligence chief from 2013 to 2017, leading the country’s foreign intelligence structure, strategic operations, and counter-terrorism initiatives.
He was cleared of all allegations in 2023 after a prolonged six-year legal process, with relevant court proceedings formally withdrawn.
Okay News reports that his nomination reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic presence globally.
Key Appointments and Career Timeline
Director General, National Intelligence Agency (NIA)
November 2013 – October 2017
- Appointed by former President Goodluck Jonathan to head Nigeria’s external intelligence system, overseeing strategic intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism coordination, and foreign operations.
- Suspended in April 2017 under former President Muhammadu Buhari pending investigations into recovered funds at a Lagos apartment, described in official circles as an operational safe house.
- Fully dismissed in October 2017; however, in June 2023, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) terminated the legal case against him, confirming no wrongdoing.
Ambassador to the Commonwealth Secretariat, London, United Kingdom
c. 2005 – c. 2009
- Represented Nigeria in multilateral engagements at the Commonwealth of Nations, driving diplomatic, economic, and governance-related priorities.
- Participated in high-level policy dialogues and strengthened Nigeria’s relations within the 56-member bloc.
Director (Regions), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Abuja
- Oversaw regional intelligence coordination across Africa and other strategic regions.
- Contributed to Nigeria’s external security framework and inter-agency partnerships.
Earlier Diplomatic Career
- Joined the Nigerian Foreign Service as a career diplomat (entry year not publicly documented).
- Served in multiple diplomatic roles in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, working on consular affairs, bilateral relations, and international cooperation.
