Germany rejects Nigeria’s ambassadorial nomination of Femi Fani-Kayode over conduct concerns

According to an exclusive report from Peoples Gazette, the government of Germany has declined the diplomatic appointment of Nigerian politician Femi Fani-Kayode as ambassador-designate, citing concerns over his past public conduct and statements.

The rejection reportedly followed his nomination by President Bola Tinubu on March 6, 2026, as part of a broader diplomatic posting exercise. However, German authorities are said to have communicated their decision on March 13, refusing to accept his assignment.

Officials in Germany reportedly referenced what they described as “erratic behaviour” and a pattern of public remarks considered ethnocentric, tribalistic, and religiously inflammatory. The concerns, according to the report, centered on the potential diplomatic risk such a profile could pose.

The development comes shortly after a separate incident in Abuja involving Mr Fani-Kayode and the United Kingdom’s high commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, during a Ramadan dinner hosted by Senator Bashir Lado.

Following the rejection, a senior official within the administration reportedly indicated that the former minister could instead be reassigned to a posting in South Africa, though this has not been formally confirmed.

Mr Fani-Kayode, a former minister and long-time political figure, has remained a controversial public voice, frequently drawing criticism over his rhetoric on ethnicity and religion. In past years, he has also faced public backlash over confrontations with journalists and legal disputes, including a high-profile custody case involving his estranged wife.

He was previously charged by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in connection with allegations spanning fraud, money laundering, and forgery. Those cases were later dismissed by the courts after prosecutors were unable to establish a direct link between him and the alleged offences.

Neither the Nigerian presidency nor the German government had issued additional public statements at the time of filing.