Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Olufemi Gbajabiamila, has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, demanding the withdrawal of what he described as false and defamatory allegations made against him or face both civil and criminal legal action.
Through his legal representatives, Pinheiro LP, Gbajabiamila is seeking a public retraction and apology, the immediate removal of the alleged defamatory publications from all media and digital platforms, and a written commitment that no further allegations will be made against him.
The demands were outlined in a cease-and-desist letter dated July 6, 2026, signed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Kemi Pinheiro, on behalf of the law firm.
According to the letter, Gbajabiamila’s attention was drawn to a press conference held on June 25, 2026, by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, also known as Prince Matthew, during which a series of allegations were made against the Chief of Staff. The statements were subsequently circulated across print, broadcast and online media platforms.
Pinheiro LP described the allegations as “false, malicious, reckless and entirely without factual foundation,” accusing Adeyemi of attempting to portray Gbajabiamila as corrupt, dishonest, criminally culpable, morally bankrupt, administratively incompetent and unfit to hold public office.
Among the claims highlighted in the letter were allegations that Gbajabiamila demanded 48 per cent of the take-off grant of an organisation identified as the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC), received ₦400 million through proxies in exchange for appointments into the organisation, manipulated security agencies, interfered with budget processes, intimidated individuals and media organisations, abused his office, acted under the influence of intoxicating substances while carrying out official duties, engaged in corruption and other criminal activities, and was involved in murder and an alleged cover-up.
The legal team categorically denied all the allegations, insisting that none was supported by credible evidence.
Pinheiro LP further stated that Gbajabiamila had never met, communicated with or maintained any official or personal relationship with Adeyemi, arguing that the absence of any prior interaction underscored the reckless and malicious nature of the accusations.
According to the solicitors, the statements exceeded the boundaries of fair comment or political criticism and instead amounted to grave accusations of bribery, corruption, extortion, abuse of office, obstruction of justice and other criminal conduct made without lawful justification.
The law firm maintained that the publication had seriously damaged Gbajabiamila’s reputation, exposed him to public ridicule and contempt, and undermined public confidence in his office both within Nigeria and internationally.
Pinheiro LP also criticised Adeyemi for taking the allegations to the media rather than presenting them before competent investigative or judicial authorities.
The letter further referenced an ongoing criminal case involving Adeyemi before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
According to the solicitors, Adeyemi is currently standing trial in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/652/2026, FRN v. Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew & Ors, over allegations relating to forgery, including the alleged falsification of an appointment letter and presidential letter-headed documents purportedly indicating that he had been appointed by President Bola Tinubu.
The law firm argued that several issues raised during the press conference were already the subject of judicial proceedings and accused Adeyemi of attempting to influence public opinion through media campaigns.
“It is even more disturbing to our client that you resorted to defaming him through your press statements after a criminal charge had been filed against you,” the letter stated, adding that trial by media has no place in Nigeria’s legal system and cannot replace due process.
According to the solicitors, the publication attracted widespread attention, prompting friends, political associates and members of the public to contact Gbajabiamila while expressing concerns over the allegations.
As part of its demands, Pinheiro LP instructed Adeyemi to immediately stop making or publishing any further defamatory statements concerning the Chief of Staff.
The firm also requested the removal of all videos, transcripts, recordings and related publications from every platform under Adeyemi’s control.
In addition, the legal representatives demanded that Adeyemi publish a full, unequivocal and unconditional retraction and apology acknowledging that the allegations were false, defamatory and unsupported by evidence.
The proposed apology, according to the letter, must be published with equal prominence in at least five national newspapers, on all media platforms where the allegations appeared and across every social media account used to disseminate the claims.
Pinheiro LP also requested a written undertaking guaranteeing that no further defamatory statements would be made against Gbajabiamila.
The solicitors warned that failure to comply with the demands within 72 hours would leave their client with no option but to initiate legal proceedings without further notice.
According to the letter, the legal action will include a criminal complaint for alleged criminal defamation under the applicable laws of the Federal Capital Territory.
The firm also disclosed plans to institute a civil suit seeking ₦10 billion in aggravated and exemplary damages. It added that any damages awarded would be donated to charity or charities selected by Gbajabiamila.
In addition to monetary compensation, the proposed lawsuit will seek a perpetual injunction restraining Adeyemi from making further defamatory publications, as well as a mandatory court order compelling him to publish a retraction and public apology.
READ ALSO:
- Court Grants Ex-CCT Chairman Danladi Umar ₦100m Bail Over Corruption Charges
- Senate Approves ₦50m For Families Of Slain Teachers, Soldiers In Oyo Abduction
- FirstBank-Sponsored ‘Mary’ Musical Play Wows Audience with AI-Infused Storytelling | By Oladapo Sofowora
- Akpabio: We Won’t Manufacture Conflict With Tinubu’s Government
- Nigeria Loses 3,100GWh Electricity to Gas Flaring in May — NOSDRA
