Adeyemi Insists Gbajabiamila Approved His Appointment as Court Case Begins

Adeyemi Insists Gbajabiamila Approved His Appointment as Court Case Begins

Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, who is facing charges of alleged impersonation, forgery and related offences, has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, was aware of his appointment as Director-General of the now-defunct Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC).

Adeyemi made the claims during a telephone interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today, maintaining that he acted lawfully throughout his time in office and expressing confidence that the court would eventually clear his name.

His comments come days after Nigerian authorities filed charges against him over allegations that he falsely presented himself as the Director-General of the PFIPC and the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC)—two entities the Presidency has said were never legally established as federal government agencies.

When asked whether he was evading law enforcement, Adeyemi dismissed the suggestion, saying he was prepared to defend himself before the court.

“Not at all,” he said.

He stressed that the matter was already before a competent court and urged the public to allow the judicial process to determine the facts.

“Definitely, if I am wrong, let the court of law do that; if I am right, let the court of law do the right thing. Since the matter is in court, let the court of competent jurisdiction vindicate me because I am ready to clear my name.”

Adeyemi also disclosed that he possesses what he described as a valid letter of appointment, although he declined to provide details because of the ongoing legal proceedings.

“I have a letter of appointment. However, since the matter is in court, I won’t be able to say much about it. I am on medication. I am a bit down; I am sick.”

Responding to questions about whether he considered himself a criminal, Adeyemi rejected the allegation outright.

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“No, I am not a criminal. The court will be fair to that.”

Asked directly whether Femi Gbajabiamila was aware of his appointment, Adeyemi answered in the affirmative.

When further questioned about whether he had confirmation from the Chief of Staff’s office, he replied:

“Yes. Let the court vindicate all those things.”

Adeyemi argued that it would have been impossible for him to publicly represent the agency for nearly three years without official knowledge or approval.

“For one second, let us assume the agency does not exist. Would I have the temerity, the audacity, to be going all over the country, meeting heads of ministries, departments and agencies if I knew the agency did not exist or that I fabricated everything?

“No Nigerian can dare do that. I could not have summoned the courage to be going from one place to another for almost three years. Nigeria is not a banana republic.”

The case stems from allegations that Adeyemi unlawfully held himself out as the head of the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council and the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, using the titles in engagements with government institutions and other organisations.

The Presidency has consistently maintained that neither the PFIPC nor the PEAC exists as a legally recognised federal government agency. Officials have also distanced the Presidency from any appointment letters or authorisations allegedly issued in connection with the organisations.

The Office of the Chief of Staff has previously denied authorising Adeyemi to represent the Presidency or act on behalf of any federal agency, a position that forms part of the issues expected to be examined during the court proceedings.

Legal analysts say the trial is likely to focus on the authenticity of the appointment documents presented by Adeyemi, the legal status of the agencies involved and whether any government officials had knowledge of or participated in the alleged appointments.

The case has attracted significant public attention because it raises broader questions about the verification of government appointments, institutional accountability and safeguards against the misuse of official identities.

With the matter now before the court, both the prosecution and the defence are expected to present documentary evidence and witness testimony as the judiciary determines the merits of the allegations.

Adeyemi Insists Gbajabiamila Approved His Appointment as Court Case Begins