The Presidency has issued a strong rebuttal to circulating rumours suggesting a sudden shake-up in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's inner circle. In an official statement released on Wednesday, December 25, 2025, the administration categorically denied claims that the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, had been replaced.
Viral Fabrication Dismissed by Presidential Aide
Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, was unequivocal in his dismissal of the reports. In a statement shared via his Facebook page, Onanuga declared there was "absolutely no truth" to the speculation. He emphasized that the viral story, which suggested Principal Private Secretary Hakeem Muri-Okunola had taken over the Chief of Staff role, was a complete fabrication.
"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," Mr. Onanuga stated firmly.
No Reshuffle, Officials Remain in Position
The Presidency stressed that Femi Gbajabiamila continues to serve as Chief of Staff to President Tinubu, dismissing any notion of a quiet reshuffle within the State House. According to the official clarification, President Tinubu has taken no such decision to alter the leadership structure of his office, and no directive indicating a change has been issued.
Similarly, the Presidency clarified that Hakeem Muri-Okunola retains his current position as Principal Private Secretary and has not been elevated. Senior officials described the rampant speculation as baseless and misleading, warning that such unfounded claims risk creating unnecessary tension and distraction within the government apparatus.
Call for Media Responsibility Amid Fake News
Mr. Onanuga accused the originators of the viral claim of deliberately spreading falsehoods to sow discord within the administration. "The viral claim is a fabrication by mischievous purveyors of fake news whose sole aim is to create disharmony within the government," he asserted.
Using the opportunity, the Presidency issued a caution to news organisations and social media users. It urged them to prioritize verification of information before publishing or sharing content. "We reiterate that news media should always verify their information before publishing or sharing on social media," the statement added. This call comes amid heightened public interest in the activities of President Tinubu's administration and a concerning rise in speculative and false reports.
The Presidency's definitive statement aims to put the matter to rest, confirming that the office of the Chief of Staff remains unchanged and under the steady leadership of Femi Gbajabiamila.
