The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, has officially stepped down from his position, effective immediately. In a statement released on Saturday, Ngelale explained that his decision to resign was driven by pressing family health concerns, which require his immediate attention.
“I submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President, informing him that I would be taking an indefinite leave of absence,” Ngelale disclosed in the statement. The memo was addressed to Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President. Ngelale also noted that this decision was not made lightly and followed significant consultations with his family.
Ngelale also relinquished his role as the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen. He stressed the importance of stepping away from his duties to address medical issues affecting his immediate nuclear family. “While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision had to be made after witnessing the worsening health situation at home,” he said.
The former spokesman acknowledged the gravity of his responsibilities and the timing of his departure but underscored that his family’s health had to take precedence. “This was a difficult choice, especially given the critical national roles I occupy. However, family comes first, and the deteriorating situation at home made this an unavoidable step,” Ngelale explained.
In his statement, Ngelale expressed optimism about resuming his duties in the future but emphasized that the timing would depend on when his family’s health stabilizes. “I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit,” he stated.
Ngelale concluded his message by requesting privacy during this challenging period. “I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and me during this time,” he appealed, stressing the personal nature of the situation.
His resignation marks a significant change in President Tinubu’s media team, where Ngelale had served as a key figure in shaping the administration’s public communications.
