Professor Adebayo Williams has issued a stern warning to Tokunbo Pearce over his attacks on President Bola Tinubu, declaring that he knows sensitive details about their relationship and will keep them private unless Pearce crosses what he considers another line.
Williams, who claimed to have introduced Pearce to Tinubu, accused his former friend of making “scurrilous and spurious attacks” against the President, warning that he could disclose other details if the controversy escalates.
In a statement dated November 10, 2026, titled *“Re: Tokunbo Pearce & President Bola Tinubu,”* the professor said he was particularly disappointed by Pearce’s comments because he knew the history of their relationship and what Tinubu had done for him.
“I feel particularly pained by this because I brought them together and I know all that Tinubu did for him. In fairness to him, the president has never brought up the matter for discussion,” Williams said.
Recounting how he became friends with Pearce, Williams said they met while both were postgraduate students at the University of Sheffield in the early 1980s.
He disclosed that he was a visiting doctoral student and honorary visiting lecturer at the university’s Department of English between February 1981 and September 1982, while Pearce was pursuing his graduate studies.
Williams said he later returned to Ife after a spell at the University of Buffalo to defend his doctoral thesis, while Pearce completed his own in 1985 before relocating to the United States.
He further claimed that Pearce subsequently disappeared from public view for almost a decade.
The professor also defended Tinubu’s academic record at Chicago State University, recalling a 2003 visit to the institution as part of the former Lagos governor’s entourage.
According to Williams, Tinubu received a rousing welcome from university officials and was treated as a distinguished alumnus.
“In 2003, I was part of Senator Tinubu’s entourage to his Alma mater, Chicago State University. We received a hero’s welcome and Tinubu was accorded a rousing reception by the University officials usually reserved for distinguished alumni who have brought honour to their Alma mater.
“We took pictures and received many souvenirs. That is not the way of a rogue student,” he stated.
Williams accused Pearce of allowing desperation to influence his comments, declaring: “At 78, desperation is beginning to cloud everything Tokunbo says and does.”
He also referred to Pearce’s late father, Commander Afolabi Pearse, and his brothers, retired Navy Captain Femi Pearse and Yomi Pearse, describing them as men of impeccable conduct.
The professor said their reputations made Pearce’s alleged conduct particularly disappointing, adding that he would have otherwise considered his actions a family trait.
In a pointed closing remark, Williams warned that he was withholding other information about Pearce but could reconsider if the latter crossed another line.
“In keeping with where I come from, I assure Toks that all the other secrets are safe with me until he crosses another line,” he said.
