Legal practitioner Jiti Ogunye has said there is no legal or factual reason for the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, to resign over allegations connected to the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC). He made the remarks during an appearance on Journalists’ Hangout on TVC while discussing claims made by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew against the presidential aide.
Ogunye argued that Gbajabiamila has not been found guilty of any offence, charged before a court or formally indicted by any authority. He said calls for the Chief of Staff to step aside at this stage have no legal basis and could send the wrong message by suggesting that the allegations against him have already been proven.
According to the lawyer, resignation should only be considered if there is evidence that a public official’s continued stay in office could interfere with an ongoing investigation or prevent the authorities from carrying out their duties properly. He maintained that there is nothing before the public to show that Gbajabiamila’s position has affected any investigation into the matter.
Ogunye also warned against judging public officials based on accusations alone. He said every individual is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty through due legal process. In his view, public pressure should not replace the role of investigators and the courts in determining whether an offence has been committed.
Speaking on the allegations made by Adeyemi, Ogunye claimed that investigations pointed to the use of forged documents, including what appeared to be an appointment letter, a government gazette and an Act of Parliament, to create the impression that Adeyemi had been appointed as Director-General of the Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.
He further stated that available findings indicated that the council in question did not exist as a recognised government agency. According to him, the alleged plan was designed to create the appearance of an official government office that could later be used to mislead individuals, financial institutions and potential investors.
Ogunye also dismissed claims linking Gbajabiamila to the alleged scheme. He said the Chief of Staff has consistently denied knowing Adeyemi or having any form of relationship with him. He added that the Office of the Chief of Staff later issued a public disclaimer after reports that Adeyemi allegedly continued presenting himself as the head of the supposed agency despite police intervention.
The lawyer maintained that allegations alone should not be enough to force any public official out of office. He said every claim must be properly investigated and handled in line with the law before any action is taken, insisting that due process remains the foundation of justice.