Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has announced his redeployment as Nigeria’s Ambassador-Designate to South Africa following approval by President Bola Tinubu.

Fani-Kayode who was initially posted to Germany disclosed on Thursday that he formally requested a redeployment to South Africa for personal and ideological reasons.

According to him, he informed the former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, that after living much of his life in Europe, he preferred to serve in South Africa, a country he said aligns more closely with his Pan-African convictions and foreign policy outlook.

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He explained that the request was favourably considered by the foreign minister and subsequently approved by President Tinubu.

Fani-Kayode also thanked Samson Ekong, whom he identified as the envoy originally posted to South Africa, for agreeing to a diplomatic swap arrangement that allowed the redeployment.

The former minister further dismissed reports alleging that Germany rejected his appointment, describing the claims as false, malicious, and defamatory.

He accused an unnamed online publication of spreading fabricated reports aimed at damaging his reputation and embarrassing the Nigerian government.

According to him, legal steps have already been initiated against those responsible for the reports, including petitions to security agencies and plans for a civil defamation suit.

Fani-Kayode maintained that no official rejection was ever issued by Germany and challenged those behind the reports to provide documentary evidence to support their claims.

He expressed optimism about serving in South Africa, describing the country as one he admires for its history and role in Africa’s development.