Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, has stepped down from his role with immediate effect.
Ngelale, who also served as the Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action and Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen, also quit the role.
He cited medical issues affecting his immediate family as the reason for his resignation.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Ngelale revealed that he had submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, informing him of his plan to proceed on an indefinite leave of absence.
Ngelale expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve the President and the country but emphasized the need to prioritize his family’s health at this time.
The statement read, “I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit. I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and me during this time.”
Ngelale’s resignation comes as a surprise to many, given his prominent role in the Tinubu administration.
His departure raises questions about who will fill the void left by his departure and how it may impact the President’s communication strategy.
The Presidency has yet to announce a replacement for Ngelale, but sources indicate that a new appointment may be made soon.