President Bola Tinubu has accepted the indefinite leave of absence requested by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, in a manner that suggests the presidential aide’s departure may be permanent.
Tinubu’s response to Ngelale’s request was conclusive in tone.
The Presidency on Saturday confirmed that Ngelale, who doubled as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, had submitted a memo citing personal and health reasons for his leave.
“The President wishes him well in all his future endeavors,” read a statement shared on official social media accounts of the State House, indicating that Ngelale’s role in the administration may have come to an end.
While expressing sympathy for the circumstances leading to Ngelale’s decision, President Tinubu acknowledged the aide’s contributions to his administration.
He noted Ngelale’s “tireless efforts and dedication in serving the nation,” particularly praising his work in “advancing national discourse and leading efforts on climate action and other key initiatives.”
The language used in the press release, particularly the phrase “future endeavors,” is often associated with permanent departures in political circles.
The choice of words, combined with the indefinite nature of the leave, suggests that Ngelale will not be returning to his position in the Tinubu administration.
The Presidency, as requested by Ngelale, urged the public to respect the former presidential aide’s privacy.
As of now, no information has been provided regarding a replacement for Ngelale or how his duties will be managed in his absence.
But NewsNGR gathered from sources at the presidency that vacancy has triggered a contest for the position among President Tinubu’s close media aides.
Bayo Onanuga, currently the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, is said to be interested in the role. However, he faces stiff competition from Sunday Dare, the immediate past Minister of Youths and Sports and Tinubu’s former personal chief of staff, as well as Tunde Rahman, Tinubu’s long-standing personal chief press secretary.
In May, Ngelale and Onanuga clashed over what the former described as an “unauthorised” press statement issued by Onanuga.