Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, has officially stepped down from his position. The resignation was confirmed today, September 7, 2024, following a heartfelt announcement by Ngelale himself.
In a statement released via his Facebook page, Ngelale disclosed that his decision to resign was driven by urgent personal health matters involving his immediate family. After several days of reflection and consultation with loved ones, he opted to prioritize family health concerns.
The former Presidential spokesperson shared:
“On Friday, I submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, informing my office that I am proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family."
He continued, explaining that while the state "waits for no man," his decision to step down from multiple key roles in the Presidency was not made lightly. In addition to being the Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, Ngelale also served as the President’s Official Spokesperson, the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and the Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen.
With regret, he acknowledged that a "vexatious medical situation" had worsened, necessitating immediate attention. "I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit," Ngelale added, before respectfully requesting privacy for his family during this challenging period.
The resignation of such a prominent figure from the Presidency is bound to cause ripples within political circles. Ngelale had been an essential voice in the Tinubu administration, serving in key capacities and communicating crucial government policies to the public. His departure raises questions about who will assume his responsibilities in the interim.
Political analysts have already begun speculating on potential successors and the broader implications of this development. Some believe this could signal internal challenges within the administration, while others consider it a purely personal decision driven by Ngelale’s family situation.
