Emmanuel OchayiAjuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Bola Tinubu, has announced his resignation with immediate effect.
Ngelale, who also held the roles of Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen, made his decision public in a statement issued by the Presidency on Saturday.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelAjuri Ngelale Steps Down from Multiple Roles, To Focus on Family Medical Matters
According to Ajuri Ngelale, his resignation stems from pressing medical matters affecting his family. In a memo submitted to the Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Ngelale explained that he is taking an indefinite leave to focus on these issues.
“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 frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate nuclear family,” Ngelale said in his statement.
He added that after significant consultation with his family, it became clear that stepping down was necessary. “This agonising decision — entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and 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 over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.”
Privacy Requested by Ajuri Ngelale
Ajuri Ngelale emphasized the importance of privacy for his family during this period. “I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit,” he said. “I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and me during this time.”
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Ngelale’s decision leaves a significant gap in President Tinubu’s media team, as he played a key role in communicating the administration’s policies to the public.
His roles as the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and the Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen also positioned him as a prominent figure in the President’s inner circle.
What’s Next for Ajuri Ngelale?
It is unclear when or if Ajuri Ngelale will return to his roles, but his statement indicates a deep commitment to addressing family matters before considering any professional engagements.
“The ship of state waits for no man,” Ngelale remarked, expressing his understanding of the timing and responsibilities involved.
His departure, while temporary, is expected to have an impact on the administration’s ongoing projects, particularly in the areas of climate action and media communication.
With this departure, the Presidency is now tasked with filling the gap left by Ajuri Ngelale’s absence, which could potentially lead to a reshuffling of responsibilities within President Tinubu’s media team.
Reactions to Ajuri Ngelale’s Resignation
Political observers and close associates have expressed understanding of Ngelale’s situation, acknowledging the personal challenges that come with public service. A source close to the family stated, “Ajuri has been a diligent servant of the people, and this decision speaks to his character—putting family first in such trying times.”
Meanwhile, the Presidency has yet to make a formal statement regarding Ngelale’s potential replacement or how his duties will be temporarily reassigned.
Ajuri Ngelale’s decision to step down from his role as Special Adviser to President Tinubu highlights the personal sacrifices that come with public office.
His departure, though rooted in family medical issues, leaves open the possibility of a return to public service when circumstances allow.
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
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