Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi has declared that he is ready to defend himself in court as the controversy surrounding the disputed Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) intensifies, insisting that the judiciary should determine the truth behind the matter.
Speaking on Thursday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Adeyemi said he has nothing to hide and is prepared to face the legal process over allegations brought against him by the Federal Government.
“If I’m wrong, let the court decide. If I’m right, let the court also do the right thing,” he said, maintaining that he remains confident the judicial process will clear his name.
Adeyemi rejected claims by the Presidency that he is an impostor or con artist, saying he was lawfully appointed to head the PFIPC.
However, he declined to discuss details of the case, including questions about the funding of the council and staff salaries, citing the ongoing court proceedings.
“I don’t want to speak much because the matter is before the court. Let the court of competent jurisdiction determine the issues,” he stated.
The controversy escalated after the Presidency formally disowned the PFIPC, describing it as a fictitious organisation.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga accused Adeyemi of impersonation, forgery of official documents and fraudulent misrepresentation, alleging that he falsely presented himself as Director-General of a non-existent government agency.
According to the Presidency, police investigations found that Adeyemi allegedly used forged documents to open bank accounts linked to the disputed entity, including an account with the Central Bank of Nigeria, by allegedly misleading the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation.
The Presidency further stated that although no government funds were transferred into the accounts, the alleged actions formed the basis of an eight-count criminal charge filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja against Adeyemi and two others.
The case is scheduled for hearing on July 27.
Adeyemi, however, has denied the allegations and accused Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, of attempting to frustrate his activities.
He also alleged that the disagreement arose after he rejected an alleged request by the Chief of Staff for a percentage of the agency’s proposed take-off grant.
These allegations have not been substantiated in court, and the Office of the Chief of Staff has previously denied any association with the PFIPC.
Adeyemi has called on President Bola Tinubu to establish an independent investigative panel to examine the controversy and determine the facts.
Meanwhile, the dispute has generated further public interest following reports that the 2026 Appropriation Bill contains a budget line referencing an entity identified as the “Presidential Economic Advisory Council/Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council” with an allocation of over N1.3 billion.
The Presidency maintained that the PFIPC does not exist as a recognised government agency and insists the matter is now before the courts for determination.
With criminal proceedings pending, both the Federal Government and Adeyemi have maintained their respective positions, leaving the courts to determine the legality of the claims and counterclaims surrounding the controversial organisation.
