L-R: Ojudu, Lawal.
He told me, “Get Up, Who Do You Think You Are? I’m Your Boss!”
By Olusola Odunfa
Former presidential aide, Sen. Babafemi Ojudu, has recalled an encounter with former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, shortly after his appointment as Special Adviser to then Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in 2016.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Ojudu said he visited Lawal’s office to formally report and pay a courtesy visit following his appointment.
However, the meeting quickly took an unexpected turn.
According to Ojudu, despite having known Lawal for many years, he sat down in his office only to be rebuked by the former SGF, who reminded him of the official hierarchy within government.
Ojudu disclosed that Lawal told him that although they were friends, he was now his superior and could not simply walk into the office and take a seat without permission.
Recounting the incident, Ojudu said: “When I was appointed Special Adviser, I went to his office to report to him.
“Having known him for years, I sat down in front of him and he said, ‘Get up, who do you think you are?
“We are friends but I am now your boss, you can’t come to my office and sit down.’
“I walked out of his office and I never went back to him again,” Ojudu narrated.
The former senator said the experience effectively ended any further personal visits to Lawal’s office during their time in government, despite their long-standing friendship.
