Ajuri Ngelale, celebrated broadcast journalist turned Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, has left his role under circumstances much different than the public statement he issued. Despite his claims of resigning to address a “vexatious medical situation” in his family, the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) has uncovered that Ngelale was in fact fired by the presidency after losing a protracted power struggle.
Ngelale, also the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, stunned Nigerians on Saturday with an announcement of his sudden departure, attributing it to health issues affecting his immediate family. However, sources close to the presidency disclosed to FIJ that his exit was orchestrated after a clash with Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, came to a head.
Power Struggle in the Villa
Following Bola Tinubu’s ascension to the presidency in 2023, tensions brewed between Ngelale and Onanuga. Ngelale, appointed Senior Special Adviser on Public Affairs under President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019, considered himself senior to Onanuga, a former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Both held special adviser titles under Tinubu’s administration, which created confusion within the presidency, as their roles seemed to overlap.
Read Also: Group Slams Rhodes-Vivour, Labour Party Leaders Over 2027 Lagos Ambition
Although Ngelale’s position technically had more authority, particularly over the presidency’s media structure, insiders say he frequently clashed with Onanuga, a more senior figure by age and experience. Civil servants reported frustration, as Ngelale’s orders overshadowed Onanuga’s efforts.
Sources told FIJ that Ngelale relied on strong support from Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, and Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff, which made him believe he was untouchable. Despite his backing, the simmering conflict with Onanuga escalated, culminating in Ngelale’s dismissal earlier in the week.
Blocked from Office: Onanuga’s Challenges
One notable revelation from sources close to the situation is that Onanuga, after his appointment in October 2023, did not have his own office within the presidency for months. Ngelale allegedly obstructed Onanuga from securing proper workspace, forcing him to squat in the office of another appointee.
This act of perceived hostility exacerbated tensions, as other senior appointees such as Mohammed Idris Malagi, the Minister of Information, repeatedly tried and failed to mediate peace between the two advisers.
The Breaking Point
Sources inside the presidency suggested that Ngelale’s refusal to cooperate with Onanuga, alongside his poor relationship with journalists and media editors, significantly harmed the president’s communication strategy. One insider recounted how Ngelale imposed strict conditions on media statements issued by Onanuga, requiring his clearance before anything could be released.
The final straw, it seems, was Ngelale’s alienation of the media, with many senior journalists describing him as arrogant and disrespectful. “He did not have a good relationship with journalists. Ask the editors; they did not like him,” said a source.
A Soft Landing for Ngelale
After receiving his termination notice, Ngelale reportedly pleaded for a soft landing, leading to the public narrative that he was resigning due to family health concerns. Sources confirmed to FIJ that his resignation was carefully managed to avoid embarrassment for both Ngelale and the presidency.
Despite efforts to reach out to both Ngelale and Onanuga for comments, FIJ’s attempts to contact them went unanswered.
This departure marks a significant shift within the presidency, highlighting the intense power dynamics shaping the current administration. With Ngelale out, the future of the president’s media team remains uncertain, as the tension between advisers appears far from resolved.