Tinubu Shakes Up Aso Rock: Akeem Muri-Okunola Named New Chief of Staff

ABUJA – In a surprise move that has sent ripples through Nigeria’s political circles, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appointed Akeem Ademola Muri-Okunola as the new Chief of Staff to the President, effective immediately, replacing the outgoing Femi Gbajabiamila.

The announcement, confirmed by sources within the Presidency on Thursday, December 25, 2025, marks a significant reconfiguration of the President’s inner circle just over two years into Tinubu’s administration. Gbajabiamila, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives and key ally from the All Progressives Congress (APC), served as Chief of Staff since Tinubu’s inauguration in May 2023. His departure comes amid whispers of internal realignments as the administration gears up for intensified policy implementation in 2026.

Muri-Okunola, a technocrat with deep roots in Lagos State governance, steps into one of the most powerful roles in Aso Rock. Born in Lagos, the 58-year-old holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Lagos and boasts over two decades of public service experience. He previously served as Commissioner for Home Affairs and later as Commissioner for Science and Technology under Governor Babatunde Fashola (2008-2011). More recently, he was Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Civil Service, overseeing critical portfolios including Establishment, Training, and Pensions, before his elevation to Head of Service in 2019—a position he held until 2022.

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President Tinubu, who shares a long-standing professional history with Muri-Okunola from their days in Lagos politics, praised the appointee’s “unwavering commitment to efficient governance and service delivery” in a brief statement released by the State House. Insiders describe Muri-Okunola as a low-profile administrator known for his organizational prowess and ability to navigate bureaucratic mazes, qualities seen as vital for streamlining the Presidency’s operations amid economic challenges and upcoming elections.

Gbajabiamila’s exit, while not officially detailed, aligns with broader cabinet reviews signaled by Tinubu in recent weeks. The former lawmaker, often credited with bridging legislative-executive ties during his tenure, is rumored to be eyeing a role in international development or private sector advisory, though no confirmation has emerged. His 20-month stint was marked by efforts to stabilize the administration post-fuel subsidy removal and naira floatation, but critics pointed to occasional friction over policy coordination.

This reshuffle underscores Tinubu’s preference for trusted Lagos loyalists in core positions, a pattern evident with appointments like Deputy Chief of Staff Sen. Ibrahim Hadejia and others. Political analysts view it as a strategic pivot to bolster administrative efficiency ahead of key deliverables, including infrastructure projects and security reforms.

Reactions have poured in swiftly. APC chieftains hailed the move as “refreshing,” while opposition voices, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), urged scrutiny of the process for transparency. On social media, #NewCoS trended, with users debating Muri-Okunola’s civil service pedigree versus Gbajabiamila’s political heft.

As Nigeria navigates fiscal headwinds and regional tensions, all eyes remain on how Muri-Okunola will shape the Presidency’s agenda. Official briefings are expected in the coming days.