President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reportedly relieved the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, of his duties, with Mr. Akeem Muri-Okunola named as his replacement.
Sources within the State House, who spoke on condition of anonymity, disclosed that the decision followed what they described as prolonged political undercurrents within the Presidential Villa.
According to the sources, the development had been anticipated for some time amid intense power dynamics at the highest level of government.
Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives from 2019 to 2023 and a six-term lawmaker, was appointed Chief of Staff in June 2023 after resigning his seat in the National Assembly following President Tinubu’s inauguration.
Insiders alleged that the former Speaker’s perceived political alliances, including his relationship with an unnamed minister from southern Nigeria, as well as speculations surrounding his political ambition in Lagos State ahead of the 2027 governorship contest, may have contributed to his reported removal.
As of the time of filing this report, no official statement has been issued by the Presidential Media Team to confirm or deny the development.
Meanwhile, Mr. Akeem Muri-Okunola, 52, until his reported appointment, served as the Principal Private Secretary to the President.
Popularly known as “HMO” within Lagos political circles, he is regarded as a long-standing member of President Tinubu’s inner political caucus.
Muri-Okunola previously served as Tinubu’s Personal Assistant between 2003 and 2005 during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State.
He later held several strategic positions, including Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Land Use and Allocation Committee and Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Lands, Governor’s Office.
He is the first son of the late Justice Muritala Okunola.
The Presidency is yet to officially clarify the status of the reported leadership change at the Office of the Chief of Staff.
