The situation surrounding Ajuri Ngelale’s departure from his role as special adviser to the president on media and publicity has sparked considerable interest and speculation. While Ngelale publicly cited a “vexatious medical situation” affecting his family as the reason for his resignation, sources from within the presidency suggest that he was, in fact, fired following a power struggle with Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser on information and strategy.
Ngelale’s announcement of his resignation on Saturday caught many by surprise, particularly given the context of his previous roles and the relationships he had cultivated within the administration. He had previously served as a senior special adviser on public affairs under former President Muhammadu Buhari and had been appointed by the current president, Bola Tinubu, shortly after his election victory in 2023.
The reported friction between Ngelale and Onanuga stemmed from their overlapping responsibilities and a perceived hierarchy that Ngelale believed he occupied due to his prior experience and connections. While both held special adviser positions, their roles were not clearly delineated, leading to confusion among civil servants and staff regarding who held authority.
Sources indicate that Ngelale’s relationship with the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, and chief of staff Femi Gbajabiamila initially provided him with a sense of security in his role. However, as tensions escalated, particularly with Onanuga, it became increasingly clear that Ngelale’s standing was in jeopardy. Efforts by other cabinet members to mediate the conflict reportedly fell on deaf ears, as Ngelale was reluctant to engage in discussions aimed at resolving the feud.
The culmination of these tensions reportedly resulted in Ngelale’s dismissal, which he sought to mitigate by requesting to resign instead, hoping to avoid public embarrassment for both himself and the presidency. This maneuver, according to sources, was seen as a necessary compromise to maintain a semblance of dignity amid the fallout.
The broader implications of this situation highlight the challenges within the current administration regarding communication strategy and media relations. Ngelale’s alleged difficulties in managing relationships with journalists and media outlets may have further exacerbated the issues at play, ultimately contributing to his downfall.
As the situation continues to evolve, the dynamics within the presidency and the impact on Nigeria’s communication strategies remain a subject of interest and scrutiny.