Global body says Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew has no ties to the United Nations, warns against misinformation on international appointments

The United Nations has formally distanced itself from Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew, a Nigerian who allegedly claimed to have secured an appointment within the UN Youth Office, stating unequivocally that he has no affiliation with the global body.

In a clarification issued through its Youth Office, the UN said Adeyemi was neither appointed nor employed by the organisation and was never authorised to act or speak on its behalf in any capacity.

The development follows growing concerns over the authenticity of documents and claims circulating about Adeyemi’s purported role. In response, Nigeria’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations sought official clarification from the global body.

According to a letter dated July 27, 2026, the UN Youth Office confirmed that Adeyemi’s claims were false, putting to rest questions about his alleged connection to the organisation.

Reacting to the clarification, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, said the development effectively exonerates the Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, who had been linked to the controversy in some reports.

Ibrahim noted that the UN’s position removes any basis for the allegations, stressing that the matter underscores the dangers of misinformation in the digital age.

He urged members of the public and the media to rely strictly on verified and official communications when reporting on sensitive issues, particularly those involving international organisations.

“Unverified claims not only mislead the public but can also damage reputations and strain institutional credibility,” Ibrahim cautioned.

The incident highlights the increasing need for due diligence in verifying appointments and affiliations, especially in an era where false claims can spread rapidly across social and traditional media platforms.

As scrutiny continues around public figures and international engagements, the UN’s swift response serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and accountability in global governance.