The controversy surrounding the reported appointment of veteran journalist Yomi Odunuga as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, has been laid to rest following an official clarification from the SGF’s office.
In a statement issued by Terrence Kuanum, Special Adviser on Public Affairs to the SGF, it was confirmed that Mr. Odunuga was indeed appointed to the role and began functioning in that capacity on Thursday, July 10, 2025, upon receiving formal approval from the SGF.
According to Kuanum, Odunuga is currently undergoing mandatory documentation in line with the Public Service Rules for full integration into the SGF’s team.
The statement emphasized that Odunuga had already begun official duties, having signed and released a press statement on the same day of his appointment to clarify that Senator Akume had no interest in the vacant chairmanship position of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, the confirmation came shortly after a contradictory statement from the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations. That statement claimed no such appointment had been made and warned the public against unverified media reports, stressing that appointments of Special Advisers at the federal level remain the exclusive prerogative of the President.
This triggered confusion across media platforms and political circles, especially given the high profile and visibility of Odunuga, a former Special Adviser to the Deputy Senate President and a Deputy Editor at The NATION newspaper.
In response, Kuanum’s clarification appeared to distinguish between presidential appointments and appointments made directly by the SGF to his office.
It noted that the SGF had acted within his administrative powers to engage Odunuga as his media aide, pending full documentation.
“The SGF reiterates his confidence in the capacity of Mr. Odunuga to bring his wealth of experience and proven journalistic track record to bear on the image and communication strategy of the office,” the statement read.
The OSGF has yet to issue a follow-up or retraction to reconcile the conflicting narratives, but sources within the SGF’s office suggest that the initial denial was a result of miscommunication or procedural oversight.
Yomi Odunuga is a renowned journalist and columnist with a career spanning over 27 years. He began with The Punch as a proofreader before rising to State House Correspondent and Abuja Bureau Chief. He later joined The NATION as Assistant Editor and Bureau Chief in Abuja, where his popular column “Knucklehead” earned him a reputation for sharp political commentary.
From 2019 to 2023, he served as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to then Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege. After his legislative service, he returned to The NATION as Deputy Editor.
As of now, Odunuga is expected to assume full responsibilities once his documentation is completed, bringing an end to the brief but heated debate over the legitimacy of his appointment.