Chief Ajuri Ngelale, who serves as the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, has announced that he is embarking on an indefinite leave of absence. The decision marks a significant pause in his active duties as one of the president’s key aides.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Saturday, Ngelale revealed that he had formally notified the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, about his decision to take a leave. His announcement underscores the serious nature of his situation, as he steps away from his high-profile role to prioritize pressing personal matters.
Ngelale explained that he is stepping down temporarily from his role as President Bola Tinubu’s spokesperson in order to concentrate on addressing critical health issues affecting his immediate family. The need to focus on his family’s well-being has become an unavoidable priority, prompting this indefinite leave.
The statement reads, “On Friday, I submitted a memo to the Chief of Staff to the President informing my office that I am proceeding on an indefinite leave of absence to frontally deal with medical matters presently affecting my immediate, nuclear family.” Ngelale’s words highlight the gravity of the situation, indicating that it requires his full attention and presence.
He continued, “While I fully appreciate that the ship of state waits for no man, this agonizing decision — entailing a pause of my functions as the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity and Official Spokesperson of the President; Special Presidential Envoy on Climate Action, and Chairman, Presidential Steering Committee on Project Evergreen — was taken after significant consultations with my family over the past several days as a vexatious medical situation has worsened at home.” Ngelale’s statement reflects the emotional weight of his decision, which was made after careful deliberation with his family in response to an increasingly challenging situation at home.
He concluded by expressing his hope for a future return to his official duties, saying, “I look forward to returning to full-time national service when time, healing, and fate permit. I respectfully ask for some privacy for my family and I during this time.” His words convey both a sense of duty and a deep commitment to his family’s health and well-being during this difficult period.
