Key Takeaways
- Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila has filed a N15 billion defamation suit against Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi.
- The lawsuit stems from Adeyemi's allegations that Gbajabiamila demanded a 48% kickback from a N27.3 billion take-off grant.
- Gbajabiamila explicitly denies ever meeting Adeyemi, demanding bribes, or abusing his office.
- The Chief of Staff is seeking N10 billion in general damages, N5 billion in aggravated damages, and a public retraction in multiple media outlets.
- Adeyemi reportedly made contradictory statements, admitting he never met Gbajabiamila in person, and is also facing criminal charges for forged documents.
LAGOS – In a significant legal development, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, has formally instituted a N15 billion defamation lawsuit against Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja. This decisive action comes in response to Adeyemi's public allegations that Gbajabiamila demanded a substantial 48 percent kickback from a N27.3 billion take-off grant designated for a federal agency.
The Gravity of the Allegations
Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, identified as the Director-General of the allegedly non-existent Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), publicly accused Gbajabiamila during a press conference earlier this year. He claimed that the Chief of Staff not only demanded a significant percentage of the grant but also received N400 million through a proxy, with an additional N200 million purportedly required to secure presidential approvals. These serious accusations have cast a shadow over Gbajabiamila's public image and professional standing.
Gbajabiamila's Resolute Denial
Through his legal team, led by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, from Pinheiro LP, Gbajabiamila has categorically dismissed Adeyemi's claims as false, malicious, and defamatory. In his statement of claim, the Chief of Staff asserted that he has never met or communicated with Adeyemi, nor has he authorized any individual to act on his behalf in such matters. He emphasized that these allegations have caused grave damage to his personal and professional reputation, which he has meticulously built over decades of public service.
The Legal Recourse and Demands
The lawsuit, filed yesterday, seeks substantial redress. Gbajabiamila is demanding N10 billion in general damages and N5 billion in aggravated damages. Furthermore, he is requesting N200 million to cover the cost of the legal action. Beyond monetary compensation, the suit seeks a court order compelling Adeyemi to publish a full retraction and apology in five national newspapers, as well as to pin the apology on all social media platforms and online channels where the defamatory statements were originally disseminated, for a period of 30 days.
Contradictions and Prior Legal Troubles
Court documents reveal significant inconsistencies in Adeyemi's narrative. During an interview with a social media influencer, Adeyemi reportedly admitted that he had never met Gbajabiamila in person and had not conducted any video calls or other forms of verification to confirm the identity of the person he believed to be the Chief of Staff. He conceded that all alleged communications were conducted through a now-deceased intermediary, Mr. Babatunde Tanimola. Adeyemi's statements during this interview, and a subsequent appearance on Channels Television, notably diverged from his initial categorical accusations. It was also disclosed that Adeyemi is currently facing criminal prosecution before a Federal High Court in Abuja on charges related to forged presidential documents and appointment letters, which Gbajabiamila's legal team suggests form the basis of his public claims.
Upholding Integrity and the Office
Gbajabiamila, a seasoned legal practitioner and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, stated under oath that his reputation is founded on integrity, honesty, and fidelity to duty. While acknowledging that public office holders must expect scrutiny, he stressed that Adeyemi's allegations crossed the line from legitimate criticism to false accusations of corruption, bribery, and abuse of office. He deliberately chose to pursue legal action rather than engage in a media war, believing the courtroom to be the appropriate forum for resolving such a serious dispute. The lawsuit, he affirmed, aims not only to vindicate his personal reputation but also to protect the integrity and dignity of the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President from what he describes as reckless and unfounded claims.
The FCT High Court has directed Adeyemi to enter an appearance within 14 days of being served with the originating processes, warning that judgment may be entered against him by default if he fails to comply. This case is poised to be a closely watched legal battle, with significant implications for public discourse and accountability.
Why This Matters
This high-profile defamation suit underscores the critical importance of journalistic integrity and factual accuracy in public discourse, especially when allegations involve senior government officials. The outcome will not only impact the reputations of those involved but also set a precedent for how public figures can seek redress against potentially damaging and unsubstantiated claims.