President Bola Tinubu has reportedly dismissed his special assistant on digital and creative economy, Fagbo Umunubo, following allegations of fraudulent dealings with Nigerian filmmakers.
The former aide is accused of using his position in the presidency to secure sponsorship deals and visibility promises that never materialised.
This sudden dismissal has sparked fresh conversations about accountability in Nigeria’s growing creative sector.
According to sources, Umunubo approached film producers with offers of government-backed support in exchange for financial commitments.
One of the most controversial cases involved a ₦10 million sponsorship agreement for Lara Unlimited, a spin-off of Arese Ugwu’s popular title, The Smart Money Woman.
Under the reported deal, Umunubo allegedly promised government involvement in marketing, premiere sponsorship, and promotional rights.
These included placements of the presidency’s digital economy office on posters, backdrops, and even mentions on podcasts.
However, industry insiders revealed that the promised government backing never came through.
Instead, the filmmakers were left stranded after committing funds and resources based on Umunubo’s assurances.
“The presidency wishes to state clearly that the public should not relate with Mr. Umunubo as a government aide. Anyone who does so at their own risk,” a statement reportedly warned.
This development has left many in Nollywood unsettled.
For years, stakeholders have pushed for stronger ties with government to boost funding, visibility, and global expansion.
Therefore, Umunubo’s alleged exploitation of his office represents a significant blow to that trust.
Moreover, the case highlights broader concerns within the digital and creative economy office.
This is not the first time the creative economy office has come under scrutiny.
In addition to Umunubo’s case, there have been murmurs of irregular agreements and questionable sponsorships in the past year.
Furthermore, the scandal comes at a time when Nigeria’s creative industry is being recognized as a critical driver of economic growth.
While Umunubo’s dismissal has been confirmed by multiple reports, it remains unclear whether further investigations will be launched.
