The former special adviser to the Nigerian president on media and publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, has reportedly not resigned due to the “medical situation” he cited but was instead fired!
Sources close to the situation indicate that his departure was a result of a power struggle with Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser on information and strategy, which Ngelale ultimately lost.
Although Ngelale publicly announced his resignation, citing family health issues, insiders revealed that the presidency allowed him to resign to avoid public embarrassment. The feud between Ngelale and Onanuga reportedly stretched back to the start of Bola Tinubu’s presidency in 2023, where Ngelale viewed himself as Onanuga’s senior due to his previous role under the Buhari administration. However, their overlapping roles caused confusion and tension within the government.
Ngelale’s perceived closeness to Tinubu’s son, Seyi, and Femi Gbajabiamila, Tinubu’s chief of staff, initially made him feel secure in his position. Attempts by others to mediate the conflict between him and Onanuga reportedly failed, leading to Ngelale’s eventual ousting. Additionally, Ngelale’s strained relationship with the media and other officials played a significant role in his dismissal, as he was seen as obstructing the president’s communication strategy.
