Tinubu Reassigns Fani-Kayode to South Africa After Germany Rejects Posting Request

President Bola Tinubu has reassigned former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, to South Africa as Nigeria’s High Commissioner, following controversy surrounding his earlier diplomatic posting to Germany.

Fani-Kayode disclosed the development on Thursday in a statement shared on his verified Facebook page.

The Federal Government had earlier announced his appointment as Nigeria’s envoy to Germany, but reports later emerged claiming that German authorities rejected his nomination.

Responding to the reports, Fani-Kayode denied that Germany rejected him, insisting that he personally requested a redeployment to South Africa.

According to him, he informed the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, that he was uncomfortable with the Germany posting for personal reasons and preferred South Africa because of his interest in the country and its political outlook.

He said the request was approved by President Tinubu after it was forwarded by the foreign affairs minister.

Fani-Kayode also revealed that Senator Sam Enang, who was initially assigned to South Africa, agreed to swap postings and proceed to Germany instead.

Rejecting reports of a diplomatic rejection by Germany, the former minister described the claims as false and malicious.

He accused an unnamed online publication of fabricating the story to damage his reputation and embarrass the Federal Government.

Fani-Kayode said he had petitioned security agencies over the report and instructed his lawyers to begin defamation proceedings against those involved.

According to him, the controversy began after a diplomatic agreement sent to South Africa by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 13 was leaked and misrepresented as evidence that Germany had declined his appointment.

He maintained that no formal rejection was ever issued by the German government and challenged those behind the report to provide documentary proof.

Fani-Kayode said he now looks forward to serving in South Africa, describing the country as one he admires for its history and role on the African continent.