From Victor Osula, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has approved the redeployment of former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa, following diplomatic adjustments arising from Nigeria’s ongoing ambassadorial postings.
The development follows earlier reports that the German authorities had raised objections to Fani-Kayode’s initial nomination over concerns linked to his past public remarks and perceived controversial conduct.
The reports, which emerged weeks after the March 2026 ambassadorial approvals, also alleged that Berlin’s reservations were communicated through diplomatic channels, though no official confirmation was issued by either government.Prominent among the public remarks about Kayode’s past was the piece done by Valentine Obienyen, media aide to Peter Obi, detailing what he called the ambassador- designate his troubled past with domestic violence, ethnic profiling and alleged questionable public records.
Fani-Kayode, however, has consistently denied the allegations, dismissing them as false and politically motivated narratives to undermine his appointment. He maintained that there was no formal rejection of his nomination by the German government and described the reports as “fake news” circulated by political opponents.
In a detailed explanation posted on his official X account, Fani-Kayode stated that he was neither rejected nor removed by the German authorities, insisting instead that he personally opted out of the posting for what he described as personal and strategic reasons.
According to him, shortly after the Federal Government announced his appointment as Ambassador-Designate to Germany, he formally approached the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, requesting a change of posting. He explained that he preferred South Africa, citing personal comfort, long-standing familiarity with Europe, and a desire to serve in a country more aligned with his foreign policy outlook.
“It gives me pleasure to announce the fact that Mr President has graciously approved my posting as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa”, he stated.
He further noted that South Africa’s position as Africa’s largest economy, its close diplomatic relations with Nigeria, and its relevance to continental affairs influenced his request, adding that the country aligns with his Pan-African convictions and worldview on international relations.
Fani-Kayode disclosed that his request for redeployment was made just two days after the initial ambassadorial announcement and was subsequently forwarded by the Foreign Affairs Ministry to President Tinubu, who approved the adjustment.
Under the revised arrangement, former senator, Ita Solomon Enang, who was originally assigned to South Africa, has now been redeployed to Germany and is expected to assume duties at the Nigerian Embassy in Berlin in the coming weeks upon completion of administrative formalities.
While the Presidency has yet to issue an official statement confirming the latest changes, diplomatic sources suggest the adjustment forms part of a broader effort to streamline Nigeria’s foreign service representation across key strategic missions in Europe, Africa, and other bilateral partner countries.
The initial ambassadorial list, announced in March 2026, featured a mix of career diplomats and political appointees.
