Bayo Onanuga, the Special Assistant on Strategic Communications to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is positioning himself to replace Ajuri Ngelale as the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.
Onanuga’s potential appointment has sparked controversy due to his history of inflammatory remarks against the Igbo community, particularly during the 2023 elections.
Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has called for Onanuga’s immediate removal, citing his public statements that incite ethnic hatred. His remark that the 2023 elections would be the last time Igbos would be politically active in Lagos is seen as a dangerous narrative with potential consequences for national unity.
Meanwhile, Ngelale’s resignation, announced on Saturday due to family health concerns, has triggered a race among Tinubu’s inner circle for his replacement. Ngelale communicated his departure to Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila on Friday, prompting a scramble among close aides vying for the influential role.
Insiders suggest that Onanuga, currently the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, is a strong contender, given his previous collaboration with Ngelale. However, he faces stiff competition from Sunday Dare and Tunde Rahman, two of Tinubu’s other trusted media associates.
Sunday Dare, the former Minister of Youths and Sports, served as Tinubu’s personal chief of staff before his ministerial appointment by former President Muhammadu Buhari. He has a rich background in journalism, having served as editor of The News Magazine under Onanuga, who was then editor-in-chief. Dare also has international experience with Voice of America.
Tunde Rahman, another contender, has an extensive media career, having held editorial positions at Punch and ThisDay newspapers. Rahman currently serves as Tinubu’s personal Chief Press Secretary, a position he has held for several years.
“All three are lobbying hard within the presidential villa, and it’s unclear who will emerge victorious,” a source disclosed, adding that Gbajabiamila has the final say in the appointment, and could even choose someone outside of these three.
Tensions between Ngelale and Onanuga have previously surfaced. In May, Onanuga issued an unauthorized statement claiming that President Tinubu would address a joint session of the National Assembly, which Ngelale quickly dismissed as “false and unauthorized.” Ngelale clarified that the President would instead focus on inaugurating strategic projects nationwide.
The frequent conflicting statements from the presidency have raised concerns about communication channels and the authorization of official statements. As the race for Ngelale’s successor intensifies, all eyes are on Gbajabiamila, who holds the deciding power in this critical appointment.
