Why President Tinubu’s Top Bodyguard, Fasasi, Was Removed

More details on the reason behind the removal of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Chief Security Officer (CSO), Adegboyega Fasasi, have emerged.

The Publisher Nigeria understands that reports emerged yesterday of the removal of Fasasi by the new Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Tosin Adeola Ajayi.

Fasasi has been replaced by Rasheed Atanda Lawal, a deputy director currently participating in a fellowship at the National Institute for Security Studies.

According to Western Post, Fasasi was issued his removal letter shortly after arriving with Tinubu on Saturday night, following the President’s return from a two-week vacation. He was instructed to proceed on a year-long security course abroad, a diplomatic move signaling his exit from the position.

Sources confirm that Fasasi’s removal is part of a larger restructuring within the DSS led by the newly appointed DG. The restructuring has the full backing of President Tinubu, who, upon Ajayi’s appointment in August 2023, directed him to restore the agency’s integrity and professionalism.

Ajayi, recognized for his expertise and experience, was chosen by the President based on his competence.

According to insiders, Fasasi allegedly abused his position to secure multiple promotions within the service.

“He was promoted three times in one year, surpassing senior DSS officers,” a source revealed. “Some of these officers had been in the service for six to eight years before him.”

For instance, the new CSO, Lawal, was due for promotion to Director in July 2023, but his advancement was delayed under the former management of the service.

“He is one of the Deputy Directors who should have been promoted in July 2023, but those positions were given to juniors, including Fasasi, due to favoritism,” another source within the DSS disclosed to Western Post.

Additionally, Fasasi was accused of arrogance, high-handedness, disrespect, and alleged corruption—though these allegations remain unverified.

“Fasasi rubbed many people the wrong way around the President,” the source continued. “Even the President himself was reportedly dissatisfied with how he managed his role.”

It was gathered that further removals and redeployments are expected within the agency.