Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, has issued a formal threat of legal action against Adeniyi Adeyemi, the self‑styled director‑general of the controversial Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), over allegations he describes as defamatory.

In a letter signed by his counsel, Kemi Pinheiro, Gbajabiamila has given Adeyemi a 72‑hour ultimatum to remove all videos and online comments containing the allegations, which include claims of bribery and murder. The Chief of Staff is also demanding a public apology and a full retraction, to be published in at least five national newspapers and across social media platforms, where Adeyemi’s June 26 press conference circulated widely.

Pinheiro described Adeyemi’s statements as “malicious, reckless and entirely without factual foundation” and aimed at portraying Gbajabiamila as “corrupt, morally bankrupt, and a murderer”. The letter demands that Adeyemi “cease and desist from making, repeating, publishing or causing to be published any further defamatory statements concerning our client” and provide a written undertaking to refrain from any future defamatory remarks.

The law firm warned that failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe would result in legal proceedings without further notice. These would include a criminal defamation petition and a civil suit seeking “the sum of ₦10,000,000,000.00 (Ten Billion Naira Only) as aggravated and exemplary damages which shall be paid to a charity or charities of our client’s choice”. Gbajabiamila is also seeking a “perpetual injunction restraining any further defamatory publication and a mandatory order compelling the publication of an apology and retraction”.

Background to the Dispute

The legal threat comes against the backdrop of an ongoing controversy surrounding the disputed PFIPC. Last month, the Presidency dismissed Adeyemi’s claims, stating that the council does not exist. Despite Adeyemi’s insistence that he was appointed by Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff has denied any such appointment.

In his June press conference, Adeyemi challenged Gbajabiamila’s denial, pointing to the council’s appearance in the 2026 budget as evidence of its legitimacy. He further alleged that Gbajabiamila received ₦400 million from him through a proxy and demanded an additional ₦200 million to secure the appointment. Adeyemi has also called for an investigation into the death of Babatunde Tanimola, whom he described as an intermediary, and has claimed that his own life is under threat.

Prosecutors have accused Adeyemi of forging several government documents, including presidential appointment letter‑headed paper. However, he has consistently denied any wrongdoing, insisting that he was properly appointed and accusing the Presidency of attempting to silence him. “If I’m wrong, let the court of law do that, and if I’m right, let the court of law do that; do the right thing,” he said during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

Adeyemi rejected claims that he is a con artist, stating: “since the matter is in the court, let the court of competent jurisdiction vindicate me because I’m ready to clear my name.” He added: “Let the court take its course. Since my lawyers are involved, everybody will follow us. They will monitor the whole thing. Then let the court of competent jurisdiction do what they need to.”