Germany Reportedly Rejects Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominee Fani-Kayode Over Ethnic and Religious Slurs
Germany has reportedly rejected Femi Fani-Kayode’s ambassadorial nomination over what it described as divisive ethnic and religious rhetoric, dealing a setback to Bola Tinubu’s diplomatic appointments.
In a report by Peoples Gazette, Bola Tinubu approved the posting of the former minister on March 6 as an ambassador-designate to a Central European country. However, it was learnt that the German government turned down his nomination on March 13, 2026.
The German government cited “erratic behaviour” and “controversial past statements,” describing his “divisive ethnocentric, tribalistic, and religious fundamentalist comments” in Nigeria as “destabilising.”
The rejection came days after Fani-Kayode allegedly insulted the United Kingdom’s high commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, during an argument at a Ramadan dinner hosted by Senator Bashir Lado, special adviser to Bola Tinubu on Senate matters, in Abuja.
Fani-Kayode could not be reached for comment at the time of filing this report.
READ MORE: India Rejects Nigerian Ambassador, Exposes Tinubu’s Diplomatic Missteps, Casting Uncertainty Over 63 Other Envoys
Meanwhile, a senior administration official told Peoples Gazette that he may be redeployed to South Africa as an ambassador.
Fani-Kayode, a prominent political figure, has been known for controversial statements and writings that have often sparked public backlash.
In August 2020, he insulted a journalist during a press briefing in Calabar, Cross River State, after being asked who was funding his tour across the country.
In response, he called the journalist “stupid” and described the question as “insulting.” He later apologised following public criticism.
He has also faced public scrutiny over a child custody dispute with his estranged wife, Precious Chikwendu.
The former minister was previously charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations of fraud, money laundering, and forgery spanning 18 years.
However, between 2024 and 2025, courts dismissed the cases, which included allegations of receiving N4.9 billion fraudulently, laundering N200 million, and later N8 billion, as well as forgery of medical reports, citing failure by the prosecution to link him to the offences.
