Germany Rejects Fani-Kayode as Tinubu’s Ambassador Over ‘Rabid’ Slurs

The German government has reportedly rejected the appointment of former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate, citing a history of “erratic behavior” and “divisive” rhetoric. President Bola Tinubu had approved Fani-Kayode’s posting to the Central European nation on March 6, 2026, but the nomination was met with a swift refusal from Berlin.

According to diplomatic sources, German authorities declined the appointment on March 13, pointing to Fani-Kayode’s past statements as “destabilizing” and “ethnocentric.” The European power specifically highlighted his “divisive tribalistic and religious fundamentalist comments” as the primary reason for the rejection, noting that such a background is incompatible with diplomatic standards.

The snub comes on the heels of a reported altercation in Abuja, where Fani-Kayode allegedly insulted the United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery. The incident took place during a Ramadan dinner hosted by Senator Bashir Lado, further complicating the former minister’s transition into the diplomatic corps.

Fani-Kayode has long been a lightning rod for controversy in Nigeria. His public record includes a 2020 verbal assault on a journalist in Calabar and multiple high-profile legal battles with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of money laundering and forgery. While Nigerian courts dismissed these charges between 2024 and 2025, the international community appears to have maintained a stricter vetting process for the firebrand politician.

Despite the rejection by Germany, senior administration officials indicate that the Presidency is considering redeploying Fani-Kayode to South Africa as a replacement posting. The move suggests the administration remains committed to rewarding the political ally with a high-level diplomatic role, regardless of the initial international friction.

For his part, Fani-Kayode has dismissed the reports of his rejection as “fake news.” In a public statement on Monday, he accused opposition elements of attempting to discredit his appointment, vowing that he would serve his country regardless of the “crying” from his critics. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue an official comment on the status of his “agrément” from either Berlin or Pretoria.