Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, says his recent redeployment to South Africa as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate was not random but the outcome of a personal request he made after his initial posting to Germany.
President Bola Tinubu had first approved Fani-Kayode’s appointment to Germany, but the former minister later asked to be moved to South Africa, a request that was eventually granted.
In a statement on Thursday, Fani-Kayode said he formally wrote to the then Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, shortly after the postings were announced, asking to be reassigned for personal and professional reasons.
According to him, he preferred to serve in a country he felt shared stronger alignment with his worldview, especially on African unity and global affairs. He also pointed to South Africa’s economic weight on the continent and its close ties with Nigeria as part of his motivation.
He said Tuggar forwarded his request to President Tinubu, who approved the change. Fani-Kayode also confirmed that Senator Sam Enang, who was originally assigned to South Africa, agreed to swap postings, clearing the way for the adjustment.
The former minister thanked both President Tinubu and Ambassador Tuggar for approving the redeployment, describing the decision as gracious and considerate.
He also dismissed reports claiming that Germany rejected his appointment, calling the story false and misleading.
Fani-Kayode insisted there was no formal rejection from German authorities, saying the claim was “fabricated” and based on rumours.
He added that his legal team had been instructed to take action against the online platform responsible for the report.
According to him, preliminary checks suggest the story was deliberately circulated to mislead the public and damage reputations, including that of the Federal Government.
He said he remains committed to his new assignment and looks forward to serving in South Africa, a country he described as one he respects deeply for its history and regional influence.
