Presidential Aide Refutes Claims of Seeking Death Penalty for Corps Member’s Insult to Tinubu

Temitope Ajayi, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, has denied allegations that he called for the death penalty against Ushie Uguamaye, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member known as Raye, who criticized the president on social media. The controversy erupted after Raye, a Lagos-based TikToker, posted a viral video lamenting Nigeria’s economic hardship and calling Tinubu a “terrible leader.”
Ajayi’s initial comment on a social media post suggested that Raye’s actions warranted “capital punishment under NYSC,” sparking outrage. In a statement titled “Statement on My Twisted Comment on the Corps Member” issued Monday, March 17, 2025, Ajayi clarified, “I advertently wrote that her indiscretion should attract the highest punishment under the NYSC scheme, which is expulsion—not death. My follow-up comment explaining this was ignored. It’s common sense there’s no death penalty under NYSC law.”
The clarification came amid public backlash, with many accusing the presidency of stifling free speech. Raye had expressed frustration over soaring inflation and commodity prices, tearfully questioning the government’s response to citizens’ struggles. Ajayi emphasized, “I suggested flagrant disregard of NYSC bylaws should face full disciplinary measures, not bodily harm.”
The incident has reignited debates over freedom of expression in Nigeria, with the presidency distancing itself from the controversy. “The Presidency has not called for any death penalty,” a source close to Ajayi affirmed, urging the public to focus on the government’s efforts to address economic challenges.