The Presidency has firmly denied reports claiming that President Bola Tinubu has replaced his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, with the Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.

In a statement on Thursday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the report as “a fabrication by mischievous purveyors of fake news whose sole aim is to create disharmony within the government.”

Onanuga urged Nigerians to ignore the speculation, stressing, “There is absolutely no truth to this story. We advise Nigerians to disregard it entirely.”

He made it clear that there has been no change in the Presidency’s administrative structure, adding: “The Chief of Staff remains in his position. The Principal Private Secretary likewise remains in his role. Hakeem Muri-Okunola has not replaced Femi Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff.”

The presidential spokesman also cautioned media organisations and social media users to “always verify their information before publishing or sharing on social media.”

The clarification followed widespread rumours that circulated online on Wednesday, suggesting an imminent shake-up in the Presidency. Similar speculations had surfaced in September 2024 during talks of a possible cabinet reshuffle, with names such as former Works and Housing Minister, Babatunde Fashola, and Muri-Okunola mentioned as potential replacements. None of those claims materialised.

Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, was appointed Chief of Staff on June 2, 2023, shortly after President Tinubu’s inauguration. He resigned from the National Assembly later that month after serving Surulere I Federal Constituency for six consecutive terms.

Muri-Okunola, appointed Principal Private Secretary in September 2023, previously served as Lagos State Head of Service and was once Tinubu’s personal assistant during his time as governor.

The Presidency insists there has been no alteration to these roles, dismissing the latest reports as unfounded.