Dolapo Babatunde Tanimola, now deceased, has emerged as a central but mysterious figure in an alleged “phantom council” scandal being investigated by Nigerian authorities.

According to reports referenced by the Presidency, Tanimola was identified by Prince Adeniyi Adeyemi as the person who helped him obtain a disputed appointment letter tied to a non-existent Presidential Foreign Investment Promotion Council.

The Presidency has insisted that the council never existed, describing Adeyemi as an impostor who allegedly forged documents and impersonated a government official.Adeyemi is currently facing trial on multiple charges including forgery, impersonation, and obtaining by false pretence.

Investigators were unable to question Tanimola because he reportedly died on 22 October 2025 in a fire incident at Kachi Hotel in Utako, Abuja, just days before Adeyemi’s arrest.Authorities said his death was confirmed through hospital records, interviews with relatives, hotel management, and burial documentation.He was later buried on 8 November 2025 following a funeral service in Abuja.

Although little was publicly known about him before the scandal, photographs reportedly show Tanimola in the company of prominent Nigerian political and business figures, which has intensified public curiosity about his background and influence.However, there is no evidence presented that directly links these individuals to the alleged fraud.

The case continues to raise unanswered questions, including the exact nature of Tanimola’s relationship with Adeyemi, his possible role in the disputed appointment letter, and how he gained access to influential circles.With his death, a key figure in the investigation remains unavailable for questioning, leaving significant gaps in the ongoing criminal proceedings.