Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has threatened to institute a ₦10 billion defamation lawsuit against Adeniyi Adeyemi over allegations of bribery, corruption and murder made against him.
In a legal letter signed by his counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, Gbajabiamila gave Adeyemi 72 hours to withdraw the allegations, remove all related videos and publications, and issue a public apology.
The demand follows comments made by Adeyemi during a June 26 press conference, where he alleged that Gbajabiamila received ₦400 million through a proxy and demanded an additional ₦200 million in connection with an appointment linked to the disputed Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).
Adeyemi 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.
Gbajabiamila’s legal team described the allegations 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 demanded that Adeyemi publish a full retraction and apology in at least five national newspapers and across his social media platforms, where the allegations were circulated.
It also required him to provide a written undertaking that he would refrain from making any further defamatory statements against Gbajabiamila.
The legal team warned that failure to comply within the stipulated 72 hours would result in civil and criminal legal action, including a ₦10 billion claim for aggravated and exemplary damages, which it said would be donated to charities chosen by Gbajabiamila.
The lawyers also indicated they would seek a perpetual injunction restraining further defamatory publications and a mandatory court order compelling an apology and retraction.
The dispute stems from the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), which the Presidency has maintained does not exist.
Although Adeyemi insists he was appointed to head the council by Gbajabiamila, the Presidency has denied the existence of the body and rejected his claims.
Adeyemi is also facing charges over the alleged forgery of government documents, including a purported presidential appointment letter, allegations he has denied.
He has maintained that he was lawfully appointed and has expressed confidence that the courts will determine the matter.
