Fani-Kayode Explains South Africa Posting, Denies Germany Rejection Claims

Former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has clarified that his redeployment from Germany to South Africa as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate was based on personal preference and not because he was rejected by the German government.

Speaking on Thursday, Fani-Kayode disclosed that President Bola Tinubu approved the diplomatic reshuffle after he formally requested a transfer from Germany to South Africa through the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar.

According to him, he preferred South Africa because he had spent most of his life in Europe and wanted to serve in a country he had never visited but deeply admired. He added that South Africa’s strong ties with Nigeria, its position as Africa’s largest economy, and its alignment with his Pan-African foreign policy ideals influenced his decision.

Fani-Kayode expressed gratitude to both President Tinubu and Ambassador Tuggar for approving his request, describing the move as a favourable consideration.

Following the redeployment, former senator Ita Enang, who was initially assigned to South Africa, will now serve as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to Germany.

The controversy began shortly after President Tinubu approved the appointment of over 60 ambassadors on March 6, including Fani-Kayode. Reports later emerged claiming that Germany had rejected his nomination over alleged concerns about his past comments and public conduct.

The reports gained attention amid claims that Fani-Kayode had also engaged in a heated exchange with Richard Montgomery during a Ramadan dinner in Abuja hosted by Bashir Lado, the president’s special adviser on senate matters.

However, Fani-Kayode dismissed the reports as false and malicious, insisting that Germany never formally rejected him. He described the allegations as fabricated stories designed to embarrass him, the Federal Government, and President Tinubu.

He further alleged that the rumours surfaced around the same time diplomatic documents regarding his proposed South African posting were leaked to the media and misrepresented to the public.