Profile of Ayodele Oke, Ambassador-Designate

Ayodele Oke, a native of Oyo State, is a retired career diplomat and former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

He has served Nigeria with distinction across the foreign affairs and intelligence sectors for more than three decades, demonstrating expertise in international relations, multilateral diplomacy, and national security.

Oke led Nigeria’s external intelligence operations as Director-General of the NIA from November 2013 to October 2017, appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan. During his tenure, he oversaw covert operations, counter-terrorism initiatives, and strategic intelligence gathering.

In April 2017, he was suspended by President Muhammadu Buhari pending investigation into recovered funds at a Lagos apartment described as an operational safe house, and he was formally dismissed in October 2017. After a six-year legal process, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) terminated the case in June 2023, clearing him of all wrongdoing.

Prior to heading the NIA, Oke served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Commonwealth Secretariat in London, United Kingdom, from around 2005 to 2009. In this role, he represented Nigeria in multilateral engagements with the Commonwealth of Nations, contributing to high-level policy dialogues, bilateral relations, and initiatives promoting governance, diplomacy, and economic development across the 56-member organization.

Oke also served as Director (Regions) at NIA Headquarters in Abuja, managing regional intelligence coordination and operations across Africa and beyond.

He began his career as a career diplomat in the Nigerian Foreign Service, holding various postings and roles within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focusing on international relations and consular affairs.