‘Grossly inappropriate’ – Presidency condemns Nigeria High Commissioner’s conduct on social media

Nigeria's High Commissioner to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode, received a rebuke from government officials for his behavior on social media shortly after arriving in the country on October 25, 2026. Fani-Kayode, who arrived to begin his diplomatic duties, had previously stated his intention to "rebuild the bridge of friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa, while protecting the interests of Nigerians living in the country".

This came after the Nigerian national assembly had banned "all official visits" to South Africa due to violence against illegal immigrants. However, Fani-Kayode's social media comments have drawn criticism for being "grossly inappropriate". Following the Credentials Ceremony, where President Cyril Ramaphosa received the High Commissioner's Letters of Credence and Letters of Recall, Fani-Kayode accused the Presidency of omitting his introduction and cutting him out of the livestream entirely.

He had raised the issue directly with Ramaphosa during the photo session, but it was too late as Nigeria had been left out. Fani-Kayode refused an interview with the SABC, citing the way he and his people were treated. Both the Presidency spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, and South Africa's Head of Public Diplomacy, Clayson Monyela, condemned Fani-Kayode's social media conduct.

Magwenya accused him of "misrepresenting facts" on social media and not following proper diplomatic channels. Monyela further stated that social media was not the appropriate platform for such engagements.