Ajuri Ngelale, claiming to resign for family medical reasons, was actually fired after a prolonged power struggle with Bayo Onanuga.
Ajuri Ngelale, the former special adviser to the president on media and publicity, shocked Nigerians when he announced his resignation, citing pressing medical concerns in his family.
However, credible sources reveal that the real reason behind his abrupt exit was not medical but a forced resignation after being fired by the presidency.
The dismissal followed a long-standing power struggle with Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser on information and strategy.
Ngelale’s relationship with Onanuga soured after Bola Tinubu’s election in 2023, largely due to conflicting roles within the presidential media team.
While Ngelale assumed superiority based on his prior experience under the Buhari administration, Onanuga’s authority was also solidified by his appointment, creating confusion in the presidency.
Civil servants struggled to distinguish their duties, unlike the clear hierarchy during Buhari’s tenure, where Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu had defined seniority.
Despite Ngelale’s strong backing from the president’s son, Seyi Tinubu, and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, the feud with Onanuga escalated.
Onanuga initially lacked an official office and worked out of borrowed spaces until recent months.
Attempts by government officials to mediate between the two failed, with Ngelale refusing to engage in peace talks organised by Information Minister Mohammed Idris Malagi.
The final blow came when Ngelale reportedly ordered that no statements from Onanuga be released without his personal clearance, deepening tensions.
Ngelale’s poor relationships with the media and civil servants only made matters worse.
Sources suggest that his arrogant attitude alienated him from key journalists and editors, contributing to his downfall. Eventually, the president’s communication strategy suffered, prompting his removal from office.
Though allowed to publicly resign to save face, Ngelale’s departure marked the end of his struggle with Onanuga.
Both Ngelale and Onanuga declined to comment on the situation when contacted according to a report on FIJ.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
