Fani-Kayode: Nigerian mission urges reconciliation after clash with Ramaphosa’s spokesman

The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has called for restraint and reconciliation following a disagreement between Nigeria’s High Commissioner, Femi Fani-Kayode, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesman, Vincent Magwenya.

The mission said it was interested in maintaining cordial relations between Nigeria and South Africa, despite the controversy surrounding the presentation of Fani-Kayode’s diplomatic credentials.

The disagreement began after the South African Presidency’s YouTube livestream was interrupted when Fani-Kayode was scheduled to present his letters of credence to Ramaphosa in Tshwane. The broadcast later resumed while the South African president was addressing ambassadors.

Following the incident, Magwenya accused Fani-Kayode of making false claims about Ramaphosa’s intervention in the matter.

However, the Nigerian mission said Fani-Kayode, who was among the last diplomats to present his credentials, had complained that his speech was deliberately left out of the broadcast.

According to the mission, the Nigerian envoy subsequently raised the issue with Ramaphosa, who apologised and assured him that everything was in order.

The High Commission argued that the disagreement should have been addressed through established diplomatic channels rather than public exchanges.

It also described Magwenya’s remarks and conduct as provocative and inappropriate, accusing him of attempting to portray Fani-Kayode as dishonest and damage Nigeria’s reputation.

In a statement on its verified X account, the mission said it considered the matter closed but warned against further escalation.

“To us this matter is closed, but if you wish to escalate it you are welcome to do so and we are up to the task. A word is enough for the wise,” the Mission said.

The Nigerian mission also praised Ramaphosa for stepping in to resolve the disagreement, saying his intervention helped prevent the situation from worsening.

“Thankfully your President had the decency and presence of mind to put out the fire and direct you and your state broadcaster to do the right thing. He literally saved the day,” it added.

The High Commission reiterated its desire to preserve the relationship between both countries while urging those involved to exercise restraint.