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

Nigeria's Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, expressed disappointment on Friday after his introduction and speech were omitted from a livestream of a diplomatic ceremony hosted by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in Pretoria. The ceremony marked the first posting of a Nigerian ambassador to South Africa in four years, as Fani-Kayode presented his letters of credence to Ramaphosa alongside ambassadors from 14 other countries.

The former Minister of Aviation described the event as historic, but alleged that the South African Presidency deliberately excluded Nigeria's delegation from the broadcast. Fani-Kayode stated that while all other ambassadors were formally introduced and gave speeches, Nigeria's introduction and his own speech were not broadcast, and the livestream only resumed after his speech concluded.

He claimed that he personally raised the issue with Ramaphosa during a photo session, and the President immediately intervened and directed officials to rectify the situation. Despite the incident, Fani-Kayode expressed respect for South Africa and its people but emphasized that he would not tolerate disrespectful treatment of Nigeria.