Ajuri Ngelale, President Bola Tinubu’s recently ousted Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, could best be described as a “self-inflicted injury.” for the country. His journey before his appointment was marked by significant professional shortcomings, especially during his tenure at two of Nigeria’s most reputable broadcast organizations—African Independent Television (AIT) and Channels Television.
His issues, which plagued his career at these stations, eventually spilt into his government role, leading to his recent exit from the presidency’s media team. But what exactly led to his downfall at both?
Professional Background
First, it is crucial to understand that journalism, demands a strong work ethic and the ability to build professional relationships and maintain respect for the hierarchy within the organization.
However, Ajuri’s tenure was tarnished by a lack of discipline, a disregard for senior colleagues, and a misplaced sense of ambition that touched on insubordination. These traits, combined with a lack of substantial journalistic skills, ultimately led to his downfall.
According to the Guild, Ngelale’s career as a reporter left much to be desired. Several insiders stated that his work ethic was inconsistent, and he often struggled with meeting the high standards of reporting and broadcasting required.
More troubling, however, was his attitude towards his senior colleagues. At AIT, Ngelale was said to display a remarkable lack of respect for those in leadership positions. Rather than seeing his role as one in which he could learn from and grow, he often positioned himself as being above constructive criticism and mentorship.
This arrogance, alongside an inability to deliver consistent work, led to mounting frustrations within the station’s management, who saw him as a liability rather than an asset.
Eventually, after repeated warnings and interventions, AIT terminated Ngelale’s contract.
Following his dismissal from AIT, Ngelale managed to secure a position at Channels Television.
Despite a fresh start, his tenure at Channels TV was once again characterized by poor work performance and a lack of respect for hierarchy. Like at AIT, Ngelale failed to rise beyond the rank of a reporter, and his ambition to climb higher without putting in the required effort alienated him from colleagues and supervisors.
Channels TV, much like AIT, saw no future for him within their ranks, and he was eventually let go. Ngelale’s back-to-back firings from two of these networks serve as a foreshadowing of his later struggles in the Tinubu administration.
Tinubu’s Administration
Ngelale found his way into the corridors of power, landing a high-profile appointment as President Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Media and publicity.
During his time in the Buhari administration, he was seen as an outsider while holding the position of Vice President of SSA Public Affairs.
According to former Buhari administration officials, Femi Adesina, Garba Shehu, and Laolu Akande could not put up with his arrogance.
The media and communications managers under Buhari disregarded him, and Laolu Akande provided him with minimal workspace in the vice president’s office.
He worked for five years in Professor Yemi Osinbajo’s office and was prohibited from occupying a desk in the office.
The vice president of the SSAPA conducted business from Niger Delta Power Holding’s office building and was not allowed to travel on any official local or foreign trip with Professor Osinbajo.
Many believed his appointment was a mistake since his journalism career did not demonstrate the kind of proficiency needed for a position of such importance.
Ngelale’s performance was followed by numerous blunders, varying from miscommunications on key national issues to an overemphasis on self-promotion.
His many Mistakes
His appointment as Special Envoy on Climate Action is an example.
This role requires intellectual depth and an understanding of global environmental policies—qualities Ngelale was widely seen as lacking.
During his tenure as Special Adviser, reports revealed that he prioritized personal power over effectively managing the media narrative around the President.
He altered the role of President of SA Media to announce birthdays, appointments, and obituaries for well-known individuals who supposedly pay him for his services.
According to an official, the spokesman was not well-liked by editors, media owners, or prominent journalists in Nigeria, and he had minimal interaction with both local and foreign media.
His constant breach of protocol grew increasingly irritating to the administration.
This included going around important people like Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and asking the President directly for approval.
Ajuri Ngelale’s brief stint in the Tinubu administration mirrored the trajectory of his earlier career.
It was an unfortunate blend of ambition without substance, disrespect for authority, and an inability to perform at the required level.
His downfall is a reminder that no amount of ambition can substitute for competence and professionalism.
