Presidency Reacts to Reports of Gbajabiamila’s Replacement by Muri-Okunola as Chief of Staff

The Presidency has reacted to widespread reports claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has replaced the Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, with the Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, describing the claim as false and misleading.

In an official statement issued on December 25, 2025, the Presidency said the report, which circulated widely on social media platforms, had no basis in fact. It clarified that Femi Gbajabiamila remains the Chief of Staff to the President and continues to carry out his responsibilities without interruption. The statement also confirmed that Hakeem Muri-Okunola remains in his position as Principal Private Secretary and has not been appointed to any other role.

According to the Presidency, no changes have been made to the leadership or structure of the President’s immediate office. It noted that the report suggesting a replacement was entirely fabricated and did not originate from any official source or decision of the President.

The statement further expressed concern over the growing spread of unverified information, warning that such reports are capable of creating unnecessary tension and confusion within government and among the public. It urged Nigerians, particularly media organisations and social media users, to rely on credible sources and verify information before publishing or sharing it.

The reaction was conveyed by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, who emphasized that the Presidency would continue to address false narratives when necessary in order to ensure accurate public information.

The statement reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to transparency and responsible communication, while advising the public to disregard the viral report in its entirety.