Jul 2, 2026

Yoruba Group Accuses Tinubu of Shielding Gbajabiamila Amid ₦27.4bn Bribery Scandal, Calls for Suspension

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in news

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Abuja, Nigeria – July 2, 2026 – In a sharp rebuke that cuts to the heart of governance and accountability under President Bola Tinubu, a prominent Yoruba socio-cultural organization has accused the federal government of protecting Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila from serious allegations tied to a controversial N27.4 billion funding request for a shadowy presidential agency.

The group, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, issued a strongly worded statement on Thursday, signed by its Convener, Olusola Badero, urging the immediate suspension of Gbajabiamila and the constitution of an independent investigative panel to thoroughly examine the claims.

At the center of the controversy is Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who identifies himself as Director-General of both the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC) and the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC). Adeyemi alleges that Gbajabiamila demanded 48% of the proposed N27.4 billion take-off grant for the agency and received N400 million through a proxy, with an outstanding N200 million still unpaid.

The Tinubu administration has firmly denied the existence of the agency, describing Adeyemi as never having been appointed by the federal government and dismissing the entire matter as fictitious. Gbajabiamila has also rejected the accusations.

However, the Yoruba group argues that the government’s defense raises more questions than answers.

According to their statement, official records—including budgetary allocations in the 2026 Appropriation Act, engagements with the National Assembly, and purported operations through domiciliary and Treasury Single Accounts at the Central Bank of Nigeria—suggest the agency has had tangible interactions with government institutions.

“How can an agency said to be non-existent receive budgetary provisions, appear in official documents, and maintain bank accounts with the apex bank?” the group questioned, accusing the administration of attempting to mislead Nigerians rather than pursue transparency.

The organization emphasized that outright dismissal of the allegations, instead of ordering a credible probe, undermines public trust and erodes confidence in the government’s commitment to fighting corruption.

In a pointed appeal rooted in cultural and ethical expectations, the group insisted that a transparent investigation—preceded by Gbajabiamila’s suspension—would demonstrate the administration’s dedication to good governance, especially given the sensitivity of the allegations involving a top presidential aide.

This latest criticism comes amid broader public scrutiny of high-level appointments and financial dealings in the Tinubu presidency.

Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, positioning itself as a voice for Yoruba socio-cultural interests, framed its intervention not as political opposition but as a demand for integrity and justice—principles it believes should transcend ethnic or partisan lines.

As the story continues to unfold, Nigerians across the political spectrum are watching closely to see whether the government will respond with openness or continue to maintain its current stance of outright denial.

For now, the call from this influential Yoruba group adds significant weight to demands for clarity in what has become a politically charged financial controversy.