Germany rejects Fani-Kayode as ambassador

By Imisioluwa Afunmiso

The German government has reportedly declined the appointment of former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, as Nigeria’s ambassador-designate, citing concerns over his past statements and public conduct.

According to an exclusive report by Peoples Gazette, the decision followed his nomination by Bola Ahmed Tinubu earlier in March. The report claims that German authorities rejected the nomination on raising issues about what they described as the nominee’s “erratic behaviour” and history of divisive ethnic and religious rhetoric.

The report further alleged that the German government considered some of Fani-Kayode’s past comments “destabilising,” particularly in the context of diplomatic responsibilities requiring neutrality and restraint.

The development is said to have come shortly after a reported altercation involving the former minister and the United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, during a Ramadan dinner in Abuja. While details of the exchange remain unclear, it was cited as part of the broader concerns surrounding his suitability for diplomatic office.

Fani-Kayode, a prominent but controversial political figure, has previously faced criticism over public outbursts, including a 2020 incident in Calabar where he verbally attacked a journalist during a press briefing although he later apologized the incident followed a public backlash.

He has also been involved in multiple legal battles with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations of fraud, money laundering and forgery. However, courts between 2024 and 2025 dismissed the cases, ruling that prosecutors failed to sufficiently link him to the alleged offences.

Despite the report, there has been no official confirmation from the German government or Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the alleged rejection. Fani-Kayode has also publicly denied the claim, describing it as false and politically motivated.

Meanwhile, sources cited by Peoples Gazette suggested that the former minister may be considered for redeployment to another country, including South Africa, though this remains unverified as the situation remains unclear, with conflicting accounts and no formal statement from relevant authorities.