Fani-Kayode Confirms Redeployment to South Africa, Denies Rejection by Germany

Femi Fani-Kayode has confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved his redeployment as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to South Africa following his personal request to be reassigned from Germany. In a statement issued on Thursday, Fani-Kayode said he had initially been posted to Germany but formally requested a transfer to South Africa shortly after the announcement. According […]

Femi Fani-Kayode has confirmed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved his redeployment as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate to South Africa following his personal request to be reassigned from Germany.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Fani-Kayode said he had initially been posted to Germany but formally requested a transfer to South Africa shortly after the announcement.

According to him, the request was based on personal reasons and his preference to serve in a country whose foreign policy outlook and Pan-African vision align more closely with his convictions.

He said the request was favourably considered by former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, who subsequently conveyed it to President Tinubu for approval.

Fani-Kayode expressed appreciation to both Tuggar and the president for approving the redeployment.

He also thanked Senator Sam Enang, who was initially posted to South Africa, for agreeing to a swap that saw him redeployed to Germany instead.

The former aviation minister dismissed reports alleging that Germany rejected his diplomatic nomination, describing the claims as “false”, “malicious” and “fabricated”.

According to him, the reports were published by “an irresponsible online magazine” allegedly seeking to embarrass him, the federal government and the president.

Fani-Kayode said there was never any formal rejection from Germany and challenged those behind the report to provide documentary evidence to support their claims.

He disclosed that petitions had already been submitted to relevant security agencies against the online platform and individuals involved in the publication.

The ambassador-designate also said he had instructed his lawyers to initiate a civil defamation suit over the matter.
Explaining the sequence of events, Fani-Kayode stated that the controversy began after an agreement sent to South Africa by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 13 was leaked and misrepresented as evidence that Germany had rejected him.

He accused the publishers of spreading falsehood and abandoning professional journalism standards.
Fani-Kayode said the statement became necessary following concerns expressed by his associates and supporters over the reports.

He added that he looks forward to serving as Nigeria’s ambassador to South Africa, a country he described as admirable and historically inspiring.