Since Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1999, the removal of state governors has been one of the recurring dramas of its democratic journey.

From corruption scandals and political betrayals to violent crises and constitutional tussles, several governors have been forced out of office before completing their terms.

These removals not only shaped the careers of the individuals involved but also revealed the constant tension between politics, law, and governance in Nigeria. Here is a look at some of the most significant cases of governors sacked while in office.

Diepreye Alamieyeseigha – Bayelsa State (2005)

Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, fondly called the “Governor-General of the Ijaw Nation,” became Bayelsa’s first civilian governor in 1999 and secured re-election in 2003. But his political journey came crashing in 2005 when the state assembly impeached him after damning allegations of corruption and money laundering.

Alamieyeseigha had earlier been arrested in London but mysteriously escaped back to Nigeria disguised as a woman, a story that fueled national headlines. His impeachment marked one of the earliest high-profile anti-corruption battles of the Fourth Republic.

Rashidi Ladoja – Oyo State (2006)

In 2006, Oyo State was thrown into political turmoil when Governor Rashidi Ladoja was impeached by the state assembly. His deputy, Christopher Alao-Akala, was quickly installed as governor.

Ladoja later alleged that his removal was tied to his opposition to President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term ambition. After months of legal battles, Nigeria’s courts reversed his impeachment, and Ladoja triumphantly returned to office in December 2006.

Ayodele Fayose – Ekiti State (2006)

Ekiti politics has rarely been short of drama, and Ayodele Fayose’s first term as governor embodied that turbulence. In October 2006, Fayose and his deputy, Biodun Olujimi, were impeached over corruption allegations linked to the controversial Ekiti Poultry Project. Fayose denied fleeing the country, insisting he went into hiding to avoid persecution. Years later, the Supreme Court declared his impeachment unconstitutional, underscoring how political power struggles often overshadow due process.

Peter Obi – Anambra State (2006)

Peter Obi’s tenure as governor of Anambra was defined by courtrooms and chaos. Just seven months into his first term, Obi was impeached in November 2006. However, he fought back legally, and the courts overturned his removal. His repeated legal victories clarified Nigeria’s constitutional limits on governors’ tenure and became a milestone in the country’s democratic jurisprudence. Obi would later finish his term and emerge as a significant national political figure.

Joshua Dariye – Plateau State (2004)

In 2004, Plateau State became the stage for Nigeria’s first suspension of a governor under emergency rule. Ethno-religious violence had engulfed the state, leading to thousands of deaths. In response, President Olusegun Obasanjo declared a state of emergency, removing Governor Joshua Dariye and the state assembly. Retired Major General Chris Alli was installed as sole administrator to restore order. Dariye’s case remains a reminder of how security crises can override civilian governance.

Fayose Again – Ekiti State (2006, Emergency Rule)

Ekiti made headlines twice in 2006. Following Fayose’s impeachment, the state descended into political instability. To stem the crisis, President Obasanjo declared emergency rule, suspended the legislature, and appointed retired General Tunji Olurin as sole administrator. It was the second time a Nigerian governor had been removed under such extraordinary powers since 1999.

Siminalayi Fubara – Rivers State (2025)

The most recent example came in March 2025 when Rivers State became the epicenter of political conflict. Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s fierce standoff with his predecessor and political rival, Nyesom Wike, crippled governance in the state. President Bola Tinubu eventually declared a six-month state of emergency, suspending Fubara, his deputy, and the entire assembly. Retired Admiral Ibokette Ibas was appointed sole administrator to steer the state during the crisis.