Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, has threatened a ₦10 billion defamation lawsuit against Adeniyi Adeyemi over allegations of murder, bribery and corruption linked to the ongoing controversy surrounding the disputed Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).
According to Channels Television, Gbajabiamila’s legal counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding that Adeyemi remove all videos and comments containing the allegations, publish a full apology and retraction in at least five national newspapers, and issue the same across his social media platforms.
The legal team described Adeyemi’s claims as “malicious, reckless and entirely without factual foundation”, arguing that they were intended to portray the Chief of Staff as corrupt, morally bankrupt and a murderer.
The letter also instructed Adeyemi to stop making or publishing further defamatory statements and provide a written undertaking that he would refrain from repeating the allegations.
Failure to comply within 72 hours, the lawyers warned, would result in both civil and criminal legal action, including a criminal defamation complaint under Federal Capital Territory laws.
Gbajabiamila is seeking ₦10 billion in aggravated and exemplary damages, which the letter states would be donated to charities of his choice. His lawyers also plan to seek a perpetual injunction preventing further defamatory publications and a court order compelling a public apology and retraction.
The dispute stems from Adeyemi’s claim that he was appointed Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council, an organisation the Presidency has repeatedly insisted does not exist.
During a press conference in June, Adeyemi alleged that Gbajabiamila received ₦400 million through a proxy and later requested an additional ₦200 million to facilitate his appointment. He also called for an investigation into the death of Babatunde Tanimola, whom he described as an intermediary, while claiming his own life was under threat.
The Presidency has denied Adeyemi’s appointment claims, while Gbajabiamila has rejected any involvement in appointing him.
Meanwhile, federal prosecutors have charged Adeyemi with allegedly forging government documents, including a presidential appointment letter. He has denied the allegations and maintains that his appointment was legitimate.
Speaking on Channels Television‘s Politics Today, Adeyemi insisted the courts should determine the matter.
“If I’m wrong, let the court of law do that, and if I’m right, let the court of law do that,” he said, adding that he was ready to clear his name.
