Presidency Denies Reports of Gbajabiamila’s Removal as Chief of Staff

Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa

The Presidency of Nigeria has formally rejected circulating reports claiming that Femi Gbajabiamila has been removed from his position as Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Presidential spokesmen have described the viral claims as false, misleading and baseless and urged the public to disregard them. 

In a statement issued on 25 December 2025, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, addressed rumours on social media alleging that Gbajabiamila had been replaced by Hakeem Muri‑Okunola, the President’s Principal Private Secretary. Onanuga stressed that both officials “remain in their respective roles” and that there has been no change in the Chief of Staff position. 

“The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to a viral falsehood circulating on social media suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff… There is absolutely no truth to this story. We advise Nigerians to disregard it entirely,” the statement said, going on to underscore that the rumour was a deliberate attempt by “mischievous purveyors of fake news” to sow discord within the government.

Officials reiterated that Gbajabiamila continues to coordinate the activities of the Presidency and that no official communiqué has been issued indicating his removal or replacement. They also urged media organisations and the public to verify information before sharing it, in a bid to stem the spread of unverified reports. 

Femi Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, was appointed Chief of Staff to President Tinubu in June 2023 and has remained a central figure in the administration’s policy coordination and executive engagements. His role includes managing access to the President and overseeing the daily operations of the presidential office. 

The Presidency’s clarification aims to calm speculation and reinforce reliance on official statements for personnel changes at the highest levels of government, especially in an era where social media can quickly amplify unfounded claims. Authorities emphasised that such rumours, if left unchallenged, risk undermining public confidence and creating unnecessary tensions within governance circles. 

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