“I almost lost my job because of Desmond Elliot” — Tinubu’s CoS Gbajabiamila
Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has disclosed that the political turmoil surrounding the 2025 Lagos State House of Assembly leadership crisis almost led to his removal from office.
The controversy stemmed from the impeachment of former Speaker Mudashiru Obasa in January 2025.
Following his removal, the Assembly elected then Deputy Speaker Mojisola Meranda as the first woman to hold the position.
However, the development triggered a legal and political battle after Obasa rejected the decision and approached the courts to challenge his impeachment.
After 49 days in office, Meranda stepped down, and Obasa was reinstated following intervention attributed to President Bola Tinubu, Bola Tinubu. A subsequent court ruling also nullified the Assembly’s impeachment process.
“It nearly cost me my job”
Speaking at an All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting in Lagos on Thursday, Gbajabiamila said the crisis placed his position as Chief of Staff under serious threat, particularly due to allegations linked to Lagos lawmaker Desmond Elliot.
He said President Tinubu personally confronted him during the crisis at his Abuja residence, raising concerns about Elliot’s alleged involvement in the impeachment drama.
Gbajabiamila explained that he defended Elliot at first but later reached out to him to clarify his role in the unfolding political tension.
According to him, he urged the lawmaker to publicly distance himself from the plot if he was involved.
He further revealed that days later, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) contacted him, saying his own name was being mentioned in connection with the crisis and allegations of backing Elliot.
He added that despite his repeated requests, Elliot reportedly declined to issue a public denial.
Gbajabiamila also claimed that the episode would have had serious consequences for him politically if not for his close relationship with President Tinubu.
He further accused Elliot of contributing to religious tension in Surulere, alleging that the situation created divisions among constituents.
The remarks come amid renewed political discussions within the Surulere APC, where stakeholders have recently accused Gbajabiamila of attempting to influence candidate selection ahead of upcoming elections.
Watch the video here…
VIDEO: “I almost lost my job as chief of staff because of Desmond Elliot… due to his involvement in Obasa’s impeachment last year.” — Femi Gbajabiamila pic.twitter.com/Oe5uGb8XuM
— TheCable (@thecableng) May 14, 2026