Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claims to be the Director-General of the disputed Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), has called on President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent panel to investigate the controversy surrounding the council.

In an open letter, Adeyemi argued that the investigation should be handled by an independent, multi-stakeholder panel to ensure neutrality and public confidence. He proposed that the panel include representatives from civil society organisations, independent media, international financial observers, human rights groups such as Amnesty International, diplomatic representatives from the United Nations, the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union, ECOWAS and the African Union, as well as technical partners from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

President Tinubu had earlier directed the ICPC to investigate the PFIPC controversy. However, Adeyemi argued that the commission, as a government agency, could not independently investigate allegations involving the same administration.

He said he was prepared to submit comprehensive documents and evidence immediately after the proposed panel was constituted, insisting that “a system cannot credibly investigate itself when its own key actors are central to the discourse.”

Adeyemi also alleged that surrendering himself under the current arrangement would endanger his life. He claimed to have received credible intelligence suggesting he faced threats if he appeared in an unmonitored environment.

He further questioned the circumstances surrounding the reported death of Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola, whom he described as a key intermediary in the matter. Adeyemi alleged that the demolition of Kachi Hotel in Abuja shortly after the reported incident had destroyed a potential crime scene, though he provided no evidence to support the claim.

The controversy stems from the Presidency’s position that the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council does not exist, despite Adeyemi’s insistence that he was lawfully appointed to lead it.

Adeyemi has also accused Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other senior government officials of attempting to frustrate his activities. During a previous press conference, he alleged that Gbajabiamila received ₦400 million through a proxy and demanded an additional ₦200 million to facilitate his appointment.

Gbajabiamila has denied the allegations and threatened legal action against Adeyemi.

Meanwhile, prosecutors have charged Adeyemi with forging several government documents, including a presidential appointment letter. He has denied all allegations, maintaining that his appointment was legitimate and stating that the courts should determine the matter.