The Presidency on Thursday dismissed claims suggesting that President Bola Tinubu had replaced his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
In a statement, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the report as “a fabrication by mischievous purveyors of fake news whose sole aim is to create disharmony within the government.”
“There is absolutely no truth to this story. We advise Nigerians to disregard it entirely,” Onanuga added.
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He emphasised that both officials remain in their respective positions, stating: “The Chief of Staff remains in his position.
The Principal Private Secretary likewise remains in his role. Hakeem Muri-Okunola has not replaced Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff.”
Onanuga also urged news media to “always verify their information before publishing or sharing on social media.”
The rumours of Gbajabiamila’s exit gained traction on social media on Wednesday, with some suggesting an imminent shake-up in the Presidency’s administrative structure.
This is not the first time speculation about Gbajabiamila’s position has surfaced. In September 2024, reports hinted at a possible cabinet reshuffle, naming former Works and Housing Minister Babatunde Fashola as a potential replacement, or alternatively, Muri-Okunola if Fashola declined. No changes materialised, and Gbajabiamila has continued to serve as Chief of Staff.
Gbajabiamila, 62, was appointed Chief of Staff on June 2, 2023, shortly after President Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29.
He resigned from the House of Representatives on June 14, 2023, after serving as Speaker from 2019 to 2023 and representing Surulere I Federal Constituency of Lagos State for six consecutive terms since 2003.
Muri-Okunola, 53, was appointed Principal Private Secretary in September 2023, having previously served as Lagos State Head of Service since December 2018.
He had also been President Tinubu’s personal assistant when Tinubu was Lagos State Governor between 2003 and 2005.