The Presidency has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
In a firm rebuttal issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the Presidency described the viral story as false, misleading, and the handiwork of mischief-makers seeking to sow discord within government.
According to the statement, Gbajabiamila remains firmly in office as Chief of Staff, while Muri-Okunola continues in his role as Principal Private Secretary. At no time was there any replacement.
The Presidency urged the public to ignore the fabricated report and advised media outlets and social media users to verify information before publication to avoid spreading fake news..
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
Chief of Staff Gbajabiamila not replaced by Muri-Okunola
The attention of the Presidency has been drawn to a viral falsehood circulating on social media suggesting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, with his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
There is absolutely no truth to this story. We advise Nigerians to disregard it entirely.
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.
The viral claim is a fabrication by mischievous purveyors of fake news whose sole aim is to create disharmony within the government.
We reiterate that news media should always verify their information before publishing or sharing on social media.
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Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President,
(Information and Strategy)
December 25, 2025
