Gbajabiamila issues 72-hour ultimatum to Adeyemi to withdraw claims, warns of N10bn libel lawsuit

Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Olufemi Gbajabiamila, has issued a 72-hour ultimatum to Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi, demanding that he retract what Gbajabiamila's solicitors describe as false and defamatory allegations made against him during a press conference.

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Through his lawyers, Pinheiro LP, Gbajabiamila is seeking a public apology, the removal of the allegedly defamatory publications from all media platforms, and a written undertaking that no further allegations will be made against him.

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The demands are outlined in a cease-and-desist letter dated July 6, 2026, written by Kemi Pinheiro, SAN, on behalf of the law firm, in response to a press conference addressed by Prince Matthew on June 25, 2026.

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The solicitors claim that the publication contained numerous false, malicious, and reckless statements that portrayed Gbajabiamila as corrupt, dishonest, and unfit to hold public office, with allegations including demands for 48 per cent of an organisation's grant and receipt of N400 million through proxies.

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Among the allegations identified in the letter are claims of abuse of office, intimidation, fraudulent budget processes, manipulation of security agencies, corruption, and murder, all of which Pinheiro LP describes as entirely false and defamatory.

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The firm states that Gbajabiamila has never met or had any relationship with Prince Matthew, demonstrating the reckless and malicious nature of the publication, which goes beyond fair comment or criticism.

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The solicitors argue that the publication has caused significant reputational damage to Gbajabiamila, exposing him to public ridicule and contempt, and diminishing public confidence in his office, both within and outside Nigeria.

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Pinheiro LP criticises Prince Matthew for taking his allegations to the media instead of presenting them to competent investigative or judicial authorities, and links the publication to an ongoing criminal prosecution involving Prince Matthew before the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division.

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The law firm notes that Prince Matthew is facing trial in Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/652/2026, FRN v. Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew & Ors, over allegations of forgery, including the alleged forgery of an appointment letter and presidential letter-headed papers.

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The solicitors argue that several allegations contained in the press conference touch on matters already before the court, and express concern that Prince Matthew resorted to defaming Gbajabiamila through press statements after a criminal charge had been filed against him.

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The publication has generated widespread public attention, with friends, associates, and members of the public contacting Gbajabiamila over the allegations and questioning his integrity, according to the solicitors.

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Pinheiro LP has directed Prince Matthew to immediately cease and desist from making or publishing any further defamatory statements concerning the Chief of Staff, and to remove the offending press conference and related publications from all platforms under his control.

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The law firm demands that Prince Adeyemi publish a full, unequivocal, and unreserved retraction and apology, acknowledging that the allegations were false, defamatory, and without factual basis, to be published in at least five national newspapers and on all social media accounts.

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The solicitors have also requested a written undertaking that no further defamatory statements will be made against Gbajabiamila, warning that failure to comply with the demands within 72 hours will result in legal proceedings without further notice.

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The proposed action will include the filing of a criminal complaint for alleged criminal defamation under the applicable laws of the Federal Capital Territory, as well as civil proceedings seeking N10 billion in aggravated and exemplary damages, to be paid to a charity or charities of Gbajabiamila's choice.