Fani-Kayode Accuses South African Presidency of Deliberately Cutting Nigeria Out of Ramaphosa’s Ambassadorial CeremonyNigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has accused the South African Presidency of excluding Nigeria’s delegation from a livestream of an ambassadorial credentials presentation ceremony in Pretoria.In a statement, Fani-Kayode said he was among 15 ambassadors who presented their letters of credence to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Presidential Guest House. However, he alleged that Nigeria was the only country whose ambassadorial introduction and speech were omitted from the livestream.
He said he raised the matter directly with Ramaphosa during a photo session, prompting the South African President to summon relevant officials and direct them to address the issue. However, Fani-Kayode said the intervention came too late to restore Nigeria’s presentation to the broadcast.The ambassador also disclosed that he declined an interview with South Africa’s state broadcaster, SABC News, over what he described as the treatment of Nigeria’s delegation.While expressing respect for South Africa and its people, Fani-Kayode said he would not tolerate any form of disrespect towards Nigeria or its citizens. He added that Nigerian television stations present at the event recorded his speech.
Joseph Akwagiobe is a media contributor from Cross River State, Nigeria, currently based in Abuja. He is a graduate of Microbiology and has earned several professional certifications across diverse fields, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning, professional growth, and excellence.