Fani-Kayode presents letter of credence to Ramaphosa, protests livestream omission

Nigeria's Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, has expressed his disappointment over the exclusion of his introduction and speech from a live-streamed diplomatic ceremony hosted by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria. The ceremony, which took place on Friday, marked the first posting of a Nigerian ambassador to South Africa in four years.

Fani-Kayode presented his letters of credence to Ramaphosa alongside ambassadors from 14 other countries. He described the event as historic, but alleged that the South African Presidency deliberately omitted Nigeria's delegation from the broadcast. Fani-Kayode stated that the South African Presidency refused to air the introduction of his delegation and the Nigerian ambassador's speech.

He further accused the South African Presidency of cutting Nigeria out of the livestream completely after his speech was concluded. Fani-Kayode revealed that he personally raised the issue with Ramaphosa during a photo session after the ceremony, and the President immediately addressed the matter by summoning officials responsible for the broadcast.

The South African President directed them to resolve the issue immediately. However, Fani-Kayode noted that the delay resulted in Nigeria being left out of the livestream. He suggested that some individuals in South Africa may not be comfortable with Nigeria's presence but affirmed that Nigeria would continue as long as it had the confidence of President Ramaphosa.

Fani-Kayode also disclosed that Nigerian television stations present at the ceremony had recorded his speech and would release the footage to the public. He declined an interview request from the South African Broadcasting Corporation following the incident, stating that he was dissatisfied with the way they treated Nigeria. Despite the incident, Fani-Kayode expressed his respect and affection for South Africa and its people, but emphasized that he would not tolerate any disrespectful treatment towards Nigeria.