Ola Olukoyede: The Man Who Dared to Clean the Pigsty

Olabode Opeseitan

For decades, the EFCC was Nigeria’s paradox: a watchdog that often barked at the poor and wagged its tail at the powerful. It was accused of re-looting recovered loot, weaponizing prosecution, and running a “cash-and-carry” justice system. Some called it “the political broom for selective sweeping.” Others dubbed it “the graveyard of whistleblowers.” And many resigned to the belief that EFCC was simply a mirror—reflecting the rot it was meant to cleanse.

THEN CAME OLA OLUKOYODE

Appointed in October 2023 by President Bola Tinubu, Olukoyede didn’t just inherit an institution—he inherited a reputation. And reputations, unlike buildings, cannot be bulldozed. They must be rebuilt, brick by brick, with sweat, sacrifice, and stubborn hope.

FORGED IN FIRE, CONVICTED BY FAITH

Born on October 14, 1969, in Ikere-Ekiti, Olukoyede’s journey began far from the corridors of power. A lawyer by training, he worked at the firm of former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, gaining exposure to regulatory compliance, fraud management, and business intelligence. He later served as Chief of Staff to the EFCC Chairman (2016–2018) and Secretary to the Commission (2018–2023)—roles that gave him a front-row seat to both the agency’s promise and its pitfalls.

But what truly sets him apart is his moral compass. A pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Olukoyede brings not just legal acumen but spiritual conviction. He’s not just fighting corruption—he’s fighting cynicism.

HOUSECLEANING, NOT GRANDSTANDING

Upon assuming office, Olukoyede declared: “You cannot fight corruption with corruption.” And he meant it. He ordered all EFCC staff to declare their assets. Fifty-five officers were dismissed for misconduct—including one prosecuted for tampering with exhibits. He renamed the Department of Internal Affairs to the Department of Ethics and Integrity. He created the Directorate of Fraud Risk Assessment and Control (FRAC) to prevent corruption before it starts.

This wasn’t optics. It was overhaul.

RESULTS, NOT RHETORIC

In two years, the EFCC under Olukoyede has recovered over ?566 billion, $411 million, and 1,502 properties. It has filed 10,525 cases and secured 7,503 convictions. It has prosecuted former governors, ministers, and even a Central Bank chief. It has revived dormant cases and repatriated stolen assets from Spain, Canada, and the U.S..

And it has done so without the usual fanfare. No media circus. Just methodical pursuit.

REFORMING THE CULTURE, NOT JUST THE CASES

Olukoyede’s EFCC is not just chasing criminals—it’s changing minds. He convened a National Cybercrime Dialogue with religious leaders, youth, and academics. He launched EFCC Radio 97.3FM to educate the public. He created specialized units for digital innovation, visa fraud, and international asset recovery. He even established a Cybercrime Research Centre at the new EFCC Academy.

This is not just enforcement. It’s enlightenment.

ESCAPING THE PITFALLS OF PREDECESSORS

Many EFCC chairmen before him fell into the traps they were meant to dismantle. Nuhu Ribadu was accused of selective prosecution. Farida Waziri faced allegations of shielding political allies. Ibrahim Magu was arrested and investigated for corruption. Abdulrasheed Bawa was suspended over abuse of office.

Olukoyede has so far avoided these snares—not by being perfect, but by being principled. He has built internal checks, embraced transparency, and refused to play politics with justice.

A PATRIOT, NOT A PERFORMER

Ola Olukoyede is not a saint. No one is. But he is a servant of righteousness. He is not a magician. But he is a reformer. He is not the final answer. But he is a fresh start.

In a country where institutions often rot from within, he is proving that even a pigsty can be cleaned. That even the EFCC can be rebranded. That even Nigeria can be redeemed.

And that, we dare say, is the mark of an exceptional patriot.

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#anticorrupcion
#Nigeria
#exceptionalpatriots