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AJURI NGALARE WAS SACKED, NOT RESIGNED – INVESTIGATION
Contrary to Ajuri Ngelale’s public claims that he stepped down as Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity due to a “vexatious medical situation” in his family, Federal government sources have revealed that the former presidential spokesman was in fact fired. Ngelale’s resignation, according to insiders, was part of a face-saving measure after his repeated pleas for a “soft landing” were granted by the presidency.
Ngelale, who also served as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, surprised Nigerians on Saturday with the sudden announcement of his exit from office, citing family health issues. In a statement, he described the decision as “agonising” but necessary due to pressing medical matters within his immediate family.
However, an FIJ investigation has uncovered that his exit was not voluntary but the result of a growing power struggle with Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy. Multiple senior sources within the presidency confirmed that Ngelale’s ousting was triggered by his long-standing conflict with Onanuga, which severely disrupted the presidential communications team.
Behind the Scenes: A Power Struggle Exposed
Following the election of President Bola Tinubu in 2023, tensions between Ngelale and Onanuga escalated. Ngelale, who had served as Senior Special Adviser to former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2019 to 2023, reportedly viewed himself as superior to Onanuga due to his earlier experience within government. But Onanuga, a veteran journalist and former Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), was appointed Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, creating confusion over overlapping roles in the presidential media structure.
According to FIJ sources, civil servants struggled to determine who held the senior position, unlike during the Buhari administration, where clear distinctions existed between media appointees Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu. In the Tinubu administration, Ngelale’s and Onanuga’s titles as Special Advisers blurred these lines, leading to significant tension in the communications team.
Ngelale’s Presidential Backing
Ngelale’s influence was strengthened by his close ties to Seyi Tinubu, the president’s son, and Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President. Sources indicated that Ngelale’s relationship with Tinubu’s inner circle made him feel “untouchable,” further intensifying his conflict with Onanuga.
One presidential source shared that Ngelale was dismissed earlier in the week and that his announcement on Saturday was a carefully orchestrated move to avoid public embarrassment. “When he received the dismissal letter, he immediately began negotiating for a soft landing, which eventually led to the ‘resignation’ narrative,” the source revealed.
The Long-Running Feud with Onanuga
Tensions between the two men began soon after the election, with Bayo Onanuga reportedly open to peace talks while Ngelale refused to engage. Even Minister of Information Mohammed Idris Malagi intervened, calling for multiple meetings to reconcile the two, but Ngelale repeatedly declined, citing scheduling conflicts.
Onanuga, who was appointed months after other key advisers, operated without a dedicated office in the presidency until recently. Sources disclosed that Ngelale blocked efforts to allocate Onanuga an office, forcing him to “squat” in the office of Tunde Rahman, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity.
Ngelale’s Tumbling Standing with the President
According to FIJ’s sources, the final straw came when the presidency’s media operations suffered due to the feud. Ngelale had instructed civil servants not to release any statements from Onanuga without his approval, which led to serious friction within the team. The presidency was reportedly informed that Ngelale’s attitude was hindering the administration’s ability to publicise its achievements.
Additionally, Ngelale’s strained relationship with journalists and editors in Nigeria further undermined his role as a media adviser. Sources described him as “arrogant and disrespectful,” a perception that did not sit well with the president’s communication goals.
Silence from Ngelale and Onanuga
When contacted by FIJ, both Ajuri Ngelale and Bayo Onanuga declined to comment on the matter. Ngelale did not respond to text messages or phone calls, and Onanuga similarly remained silent on the issue.
Despite public statements that his departure was driven by personal family matters, FIJ’s investigation has revealed that internal disputes and his inability to work harmoniously with the president’s media team ultimately led to his dismissal. As the presidency moves forward, it remains to be seen how these internal conflicts will shape the administration’s communications strategy going forward.
