FULL LIST: Ajuri Ngelale, 6 other Tinubu’s appointees who reportedly got their job through Seyi

2 weeks ago 5

Legit.ng journalist, Ridwan Adeola Yusuf, has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs.

Aso Villa, Abuja - President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi, who — together with Femi Gbajabiamila, the chief of staff, — engineered Ajuri Ngelale’s appointment as the presidential spokesperson in July 2023.

Legit.ng had reported on Saturday, September 7, how Ngelale, announced that he would be proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence.

Ajuri Ngelale and 6 other Bola Tinubu’s appointees who got their job through Seyi

Some media reports claimed he (Ngelale) resigned while others said he was sacked.

Legit.ng reports that Seyi holds no official appointment but is one of the most influential individuals in the president’s administration.

Per a report by The Africa Report in July, at least five cabinet members in the Tinubu administration owe their appointments or portfolios to Seyi.

In March, Seyi trended on social media when at an official state visit to Qatar, the president breached official protocol by introducing his son ahead of all members of his delegation including the foreign minister.

Seyi, insiders say, works closely with the president’s adviser on domestic affairs, Toyin Subair, and Muri-Okunola through which they can influence appointments.

Through Seyi, many youths have received appointments in the Tinubu administration thereby increasing his powers in the administration. Some of them include Ayodele Wisdom who serves as junior youth minister and Charles Odii who heads the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), which disburses billions of naira in loans on behalf of the government.

Legit.ng gathered that at least 15 aides to the president came in through Seyi, including Nosa Asemota, Dada Olusegun, Damilotun Aderemi, and Moremi Ojudu.

List of Tinubu's appointees reportedly recommended by Seyi below:

1) Ajuri Ngelale

A source told FIJ in a report on Saturday, September 7, 2024:

“During the 2023 presidential electioneering, Jumoke Oduwole, the special adviser on Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), introduced Ngelale to Gbajabiamila.“When Ngelale got there, he met Seyi. He told Seyi he would facilitate a CNN interview during which Tinubu’s presidential ambition would be discussed. Seyi thought it was impossible, but Ngelale did it. He secured the interview on CNN. He then told Seyi the time and date it would air. Seyi promised Ngelale that Tinubu would phone him if he pulled it off. Immediately after the interview was aired, Tinubu called Ngelale."

2) Nosa Asemota

Nosa met Seyi Tinibu, at a friend's wedding in November 2021.

Shortly after this meeting, "Seyi decided to give me an opportunity without knowing me from anywhere".

A day after his official swearing-in as Nigeria's president in May 2023, Tinubu announced Asemota as his personal visual storyteller (or the official presidential photographer).

On the day of his appointment, Asemota paid tribute to Seyi. Check out his tweet below:

3) Dada Olusegun

Olusegun is the special assistant to President Tinubu on social media.

He is also the national convener of the PBAT Media Centre.

4) Ayodele Olawande Wisdom

Wisdom is currently the minister of state for youth under the Tinubu administration.

He previously served in the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari where he was the personal assistant to the special adviser innovation to the then-vice president, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

5) Charles Odii

Odii is the director-general (DG) of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN).

He assumed office on October 13, 2023, tasked with helping President Tinubu to achieve his Renewed Hope agenda for inclusive economic growth and poverty eradication.