Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Bola Tinubu, has officially stepped down from his role, citing urgent family health matters. The announcement was made on Saturday in a statement from the Presidency, where Ngelale explained that he had submitted a formal memo to Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, informing him of his decision to take indefinite leave.
In addition to his role as the President’s spokesperson, Ngelale also relinquished his positions as Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen. He attributed his decision to the need to focus on pressing medical issues affecting his immediate and nuclear family.
Ngelale’s statement emphasized the difficulty of his choice, acknowledging the importance of his duties but prioritizing the well-being of his family during this critical period.
The statement read: “On Friday, I submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President, informing my office that I am proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate nuclear family. This agonizing decision—entailing a pause in my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Official Spokesperson of the President, Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen—was taken after significant consultations with my family.”
He concluded by expressing hope for a return to public service when his family’s situation improves and asked for privacy during this period. Ngelale has been a prominent figure in President Tinubu’s administration, playing a key role in communicating government initiatives and policies to the public.
As the Presidency navigates this transition, the spotlight now turns to potential candidates who may fill Ngelale’s vacated roles.
