PFIPC Controversy: How Adeyemi Served As Gov Adeleke’s Aide, Fired After Four Months – Sources

Fresh controversy has trailed Prince Matthew Adeniyi Adeyemi, the alleged operator of a phantom Federal Government agency, as sources claimed he was once appointed as an aide to Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, but was dismissed after about four months over alleged shady dealings.

Adeyemi, who has presented himself as Director-General of the disputed Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council (PFIPC), has been accused by the Presidency of operating a fictitious agency and falsely linking his appointment to the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The Presidency has denied any association with him and said investigators must unravel the internal network that allegedly enabled his activities.

Reliable sources said investigations into Adeyemi and the operations of the disputed council would continue this week to determine how he allegedly gained access to government officials and institutions.

The Presidency had earlier said dismantling the internal network that sustained his activities was now the most critical task before security agencies.

Sources told The Nation that Adeyemi served briefly in 2023 as Senior Special Assistant on Protocol to Governor Adeleke.

A top government source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Adeyemi was appointed to handle visa and travel documents for the governor and other officials but was dismissed after allegations of misconduct surfaced.

“It is true that His Excellency appointed Adeyemi in 2023. But his appointment did not last for five months as he was sacked because of his shady deals,” the source said.

“He was saddled with the responsibility of handling visa and travelling documents for the governor and other government officials.”

The source alleged that Adeyemi’s conduct came under scrutiny after the French Embassy wrote to the Osun State Government seeking clarification on a matter the government said it never initiated.

“After four months of his appointment, the governor received a letter from the French embassy seeking clarification on an issue earlier raised by His Excellency. We were confused because the government had never raised any letter to that embassy,” the source said.

“We investigated further and discovered that Adeyemi had used his office to write to the French embassy and forged the signature of Governor Adeleke and others for the purpose he was fraudulently pursuing at that time.”

The source added that the matter was reported to the Chief of Staff and the governor, who allegedly directed the Secretary to the State Government to dismiss Adeyemi immediately.

According to the source, Adeleke declined to prosecute Adeyemi at the time to avoid distracting his administration.

The Presidency had earlier denied recognising Adeyemi or the PFIPC, insisting that no such agency exists under the Tinubu administration.

Adeyemi has, however, denied wrongdoing and maintained that he was duly appointed.

He has also accused Gbajabiamila of corruption, an allegation the Presidency has dismissed.