A diaspora-based civil society organisation has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to decline the alleged posting of former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode as Nigeria’s ambassador to South Africa, citing concerns over his alleged controversial record and potential diplomatic implications.

In a letter dated March 31, 2026, addressed to the South African leader, the Global Coalition for Security & Democracy in Nigeria (GCSDN), said the ambassador-designate is “a misfit” whose appointment could harm South Africa’s international image and create conflicts of interest.

The letter, signed by the group’s Global Coordinator, Comrade Frederick Odorige, claimed that information available to the organisation indicated that Fani-Kayode, initially posted to Germany, was being considered for reposting to South Africa after reportedly being rejected by the German government.

“If this is true, we wish to respectfully advise your esteemed office that the ambassador-designate is a misfit and must be rejected by your country to preserve your international image and prevent conflicts of interest,” the group advised.

The organisation described the former aviation minister as “a controversial character” who was allegedly nominated “to satisfy the desperate interests of some persons for insidious reasons.”

The group also referenced the 2023 Nigerian general elections, citing findings by the European Union Election Observation Mission which, it said, linked Fani-Kayode to the spread of disinformation.

“In 2023, the European Union Election Observation Mission to Nigeria reported that Femi Fani-Kayode peddled fake news during the elections, where he desperately played the politics of incitement and division among Nigerians,” the letter stated. “Disinformation is a threat to democracy everywhere.”

The organisation further cited an instance where the former minister allegedly claimed that then-opposition presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar met with military generals to incite chaos, a claim it said was false.

The group explained that the complaint was not targeting a particular person, adding “we have also expressed concern against two other ambassador designates out of the 67. We are not targeting individuals but putting our country first by doing what is right. Surely, this religious fundamentalist will surely be a security risk to your country.”

The group asked: “Will South Africa, a respected member of various international organisations, accept a character whose inciting and undemocratic utterances were grossly condemned by the EU?”

The coalition also argued that posting Fani-Kayode on an international diplomatic assignment would be “an aberration and a disregard for the concerns of Nigerians,” adding that the appointment could pose security risks.

The letter further alleged that the ambassador-designate was not properly scrutinised by Nigeria’s National Assembly and was “hurried through the process and asked to take a bow and go, to avoid genuine scrutiny.”

Titled: “The Need to Decline the Posting of Femi Fani-Kayode as Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa,” the group also cited past controversies involving Fani-Kayode, including accusations of temperamental behaviour and public altercations.

It referenced a reported disagreement involving the United Kingdom’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, and allegations of domestic issues and corruption claims.

“Femi Fani-Kayode is very temperamental and of unstable character. In a public statement, he announced that he has a ‘short fuse’ following his public attack on a journalist,” the letter stated. “A self-confessed man who publicly claimed to be temperamental will surely fight your government, attack your international relations, and mastermind unfounded protests.”

The group also referenced allegations made by former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi, who had accused Fani-Kayode of misappropriating funds during his tenure as aviation minister, claims it said were never resolved in court.

The coalition urged Ramaphosa to reject the appointment “in keeping with diplomatic norms,” citing “diplomatic sensitivities, security concerns, political considerations and administrative preferences.”

“We respectfully urge you to decline to accept Femi Fani-Kayode as Nigeria’s ambassador to South Africa,” the group wrote, adding, “There are better people in Nigeria who could serve as ambassadors than this impulsive political appointee.”