President Bola Tinubu's victory and subsequent inauguration as the first gentleman of Nigeria generated some controversy. The controversies and lack of support from Nigerians seem to be taking a toll on his time at Aso Rock.

Over the past years, he has had to convince and justify the removal of fuel subsidies that have caused untold hardship on citizens and exacerbated their suffering.

As he attempts to navigate the external storm brewing in all parts of the country, his aides seem unable to work in unison with each other. This was in full display on two occasions by the communications teams of the president.

Ajuri Ngelale and Bayo Onanuga

The first of these scuffles was between presidential spokesman to President Tinubu Ajuri Ngelale and Special Adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga ahead of President Bola Tinubu's maiden Democracy Day celebration on May 29.

The confusion began between both men regarding President Bola Tinubu’s scheduled address to the National Assembly.

Earlier on Tuesday, May 28, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga had posted via his X handle that President Tinubu would address a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, as part of the 25th anniversary of Nigeria’s democratic journey.

The National Assembly Clerk, Sani Magaji, also confirmed the report.

In a swift reaction, Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, refutes these claims, stating that the information was “false and unauthorized”.

Ngelale said the Office of the President was not involved in planning the event.

“In furtherance of his commitment to delivering good governance, President Bola Tinubu has inaugurated strategic projects across the country. President Tinubu’s administration will inaugurate more transformative projects for the benefit of all Nigerians.

In view of public commentary concerning the President delivering a speech before a Joint Sitting of the National Assembly tomorrow, May 29, 2024, it is important to state that this information is false and unauthorized as the Office of the President was not involved in the planning of the event.”

Ajuri Ngelale has since been appointed as the Special Presidential Envoy by President Tinubu.

Bayo Onanuga and O'tega Ogra

There seems to be a cold war between President Bola Tinubu’s media aides over a video that appeared on his verified X page on Wednesday, August 7.

This controversy arose after Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga described as "old" a video of the president addressing Nigerians.

In a post on X at exactly 10:18 pm, Onanuga wrote: “Trending video of President Tinubu is an old video

“A trending video of President Tinubu which came out on Wednesday is not a new video. It’s a clip from the broadcast he made last year.

“President Tinubu has not made any other public statement since his last broadcast on Sunday.”

Earlier around 3:39 pm on the same day, the President said in a video posted on his social media handles that “as we navigate through these temporary pains, please remember that every effort is being made to ensure a stable and prosperous future for all Nigerians.

“Our collective strength and unity will pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. We are in this together, and we will overcome.”

A quick search showed that the message had initially been posted on the X page of O’tega Ogra, who is a Senior Special Assistant to the president.

Ogra uploaded the same video at 1:49 pm and wrote: “A Passionate Plea from President Bola Tinubu @officialABAT to all Nigerians.”

The twist within the presidency has generated angry reactions on social media with many condemning the actions of Onanuga.

Onanuga has deleted his post on X after a check.