Ajur Ngelale
According to the Foundation of Investigative Journalism (FIJ), Ngelale’s resignation was actually a result of being dismissed by the presidency.
Sources revealed that Ngelale, who also served as the special presidential envoy on climate action, requested a softer exit and was granted the opportunity to publicly resign instead of facing outright dismissal.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that Ngelale’s resignation announcement on Saturday cited “medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family” as the reason for his departure.
Tinubu and Ajuri Ngelale
He had said in a statement: “On Friday, I submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President informing my office that I am proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family.
EDITOR’S PICKS
“While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonising decision — entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President; Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen — was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.”
However, insiders disclosed that Ngelale’s exit stemmed from internal power struggles with Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. Ngelale, who was appointed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, reportedly had conflicts with Onanuga and other senior officials, which led to his dismissal.
Ngelale, 38, and Onanuga, 67, had a strained relationship that worsened after Tinubu’s election. Ngelale, who began his career with Africa Independent Television (AIT) in the 2000s, viewed himself as superior to Onanuga, a former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) who started his career in the 1980s.
Ajur Ngelale
The confusion over their roles—both being special advisers—created administrative challenges. Traditionally, civil service structures recognized clear hierarchies, which were blurred in this case. Ngelale’s perceived seniority was reinforced by his connections with President Tinubu’s son, Seyi, and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila.
Efforts by top appointees and ministers to mediate the conflict were unsuccessful, with Ngelale reportedly avoiding peace talks proposed by Information Minister Mohammed Idris Malagi. Additionally, Ngelale’s reluctance to cooperate with Onanuga and his problematic interactions with the media contributed to his eventual departure.
Ngelale’s position was bolstered by his role in securing significant media coverage for Tinubu’s presidential campaign, including a CNN interview that impressed Seyi Tinubu.
In contrast, Onanuga’s appointment faced delays and required intervention from Chief Bisi Akande, a close ally of Tinubu. The ongoing conflicts and Ngelale’s difficult relationships with journalists ultimately harmed his standing within the presidency.
Attempts by FIJ to contact both Ngelale and Onanuga for comment were unsuccessful, as neither responded to messages or calls.
Click here to watch our video of the week:
Israel's military carried out lethal airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen early Thursday, following the…
Sony Invests $300 Million in Kadokawa, Expanding Game and Anime Portfolio Sony, the Japanese tech…
Operatives of the Oyo State Police Command have detained the principal of Islamic High School…