The Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has threatened a ₦10 billion defamation lawsuit against Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), over allegations of bribery and murder.
In a letter signed by his lawyer, Kemi Pinheiro, Gbajabiamila gave Adeyemi 72 hours to remove all videos, statements and publications containing the allegations. He also demanded a public apology and full retraction to be published in at least five national newspapers and across Adeyemi’s social media platforms.
The letter described the allegations as “malicious, reckless and entirely without factual foundation,” accusing Adeyemi of attempting to portray the Chief of Staff as corrupt, morally bankrupt and a murderer.
Gbajabiamila further demanded that Adeyemi cease making or publishing any further defamatory statements and provide a written undertaking that he would refrain from repeating the allegations.
The legal team warned that failure to comply within 72 hours would trigger both civil and criminal legal action, including a criminal defamation complaint under the laws of the Federal Capital Territory.
The proposed civil suit seeks ₦10 billion in aggravated and exemplary damages, which the letter stated would be donated to charities of Gbajabiamila’s choice. It also seeks a perpetual injunction restraining further defamatory publications and a court order compelling Adeyemi to issue an apology and retraction.
The latest development follows last month’s dispute over the existence of the PFIPC. The Presidency dismissed Adeyemi’s claim of serving as the council’s Director-General, insisting the agency does not exist, while Gbajabiamila denied appointing him.
At a press conference on June 26, Adeyemi maintained that the council was legitimate, arguing that it appeared in the 2026 budget. He accused Gbajabiamila of demanding ₦600 million through an intermediary to facilitate his appointment, alleging that ₦400 million had already been paid.
Adeyemi also called for an investigation into the death of Babatunde Tanimola, whom he described as an intermediary in the appointment process, claiming his own life was under threat.
Authorities have since accused Adeyemi of forging several government documents, including a presidential appointment letter. He has denied the allegations, insisting his appointment was genuine and accusing the Presidency of attempting to silence him.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Adeyemi said he was prepared to allow the courts determine the matter.
“If I’m wrong, let the court decide, and if I’m right, let the court decide. Let the court of competent jurisdiction vindicate me because I’m ready to clear my name,” he said.
