Legal practitioner Jiti Ogunye has defended the continued stay in office of the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, stating that there is no legal or factual justification for calls demanding his resignation over allegations connected to the alleged fake Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC).
Speaking on TVC’s Journalists’ Hangout, Ogunye argued that Gbajabiamila has neither been indicted nor charged with any offence. He emphasized that resignation should only be considered if an official’s continued presence in office could obstruct investigations or compromise the integrity of the process.
Ogunye maintained that compelling the Chief of Staff to resign at this stage would unfairly suggest guilt, contrary to the constitutional principle that every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. He warned against the growing trend of convicting public officials in the court of public opinion before investigations are concluded.
Addressing allegations made by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, Ogunye alleged that the claimant forged documents—including a purported appointment letter, a government gazette, and an Act of Parliament—to falsely present himself as the Director-General of the non-existent Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.
He further stated that investigations found the agency to be fictitious and described the alleged scheme as an attempt to create a false government identity capable of deceiving investors, financial institutions, and members of the public.
Ogunye also rejected claims that Gbajabiamila benefited from the alleged scheme, noting that the Chief of Staff has consistently denied knowing or having any dealings with Adeyemi. He added that the Office of the Chief of Staff issued a public disclaimer after reports that Adeyemi continued to present himself as head of the purported agency despite police intervention.
The lawyer concluded that allegations, regardless of their seriousness, must be subjected to thorough investigation and due process, stressing that public officials should not be forced to resign solely on the basis of unproven accusations.