Fani-Kayode in South Africa: The fire that never died – from Tourism Minister to High Commissioner, the same man, the fight for Nigeria

 

 

By Frank Meke

 

My encounter with Femi Fani-Kayode, then Nigeria’s Minister of Tourism, was one of the most instructive experiences of my career. It revealed a great deal about the man, his temperament and his approach to public service.

 

At the time, I was a hard-hitting journalist with little tolerance for what I considered political gimmickry in the tourism sector. I made my position clear to Fani-Kayode in unmistakable terms – bluntly, unapologetically and without diplomatic niceties. I wrote what I saw and what I felt. I argued that tourism was dying while politicians were busy playing politics with the industry.

 

My criticisms of his leadership of the ministry must have struck a nerve. At one point, he took out half a page in the Champion Newspaper to respond to me.

 

Half a page! A Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria devoting that much newspaper space to responding to a young travel journalist. That episode told me something important: this was a man who read, paid attention to criticism and was prepared to confront those who challenged him.

 

But that was not the end of the story. It was only the beginning.

 

Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, then Director-General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), intervened. He reportedly advised Fani-Kayode, who would later become Minister of Aviation, that engaging in a prolonged public battle with a stubborn journalist like me would serve neither his administration nor the tourism industry. He recommended a meeting instead.

 

Runsewe knew me. He knew Fani-Kayode and understood that allowing two strong-willed men to continue fighting publicly would do little to advance the interests of Nigerian tourism.

 

Interestingly, Fani-Kayode’s media aide at the time, a friend of mine from the Nigerian Tribune stable, also intervened. He reminded me that Fani-Kayode had tremendous respect for me and for journalists generally, and that he needed our support.

 

I was also made to understand that Fani-Kayode attended my church, the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM).

 

I eventually backed down because, in my view, brothers should not engage one another in the open.

 

That is a principle I have carried with me over the years. Disagreements can be settled behind closed doors. Arguments can be intense, but there is little wisdom in washing one’s dirty linen in public for adversaries to exploit.

 

Later, I was invited to a meeting with the Minister at the National Theatre, alongside other tourism journalists, to resolve the disagreements.

 

Initially, I was reluctant to attend. I feared that I could be arrested or harassed, having become accustomed to the hostility that sometimes greets journalists who demand public accountability from those in power.

 

I wondered whether attending the meeting could expose me to intimidation or some form of official reprisal.

 

However, I eventually agreed to attend after receiving assurances that neither I nor any other journalist would be arrested or harassed by the Minister’s security personnel.

 

At the meeting, after repeatedly calling for me to come forward and be recognised, Fani-Kayode publicly acknowledged my commitment and sacrifices towards the development of Nigerian tourism. He expressed his admiration for my work, shook my hand, embraced me and promised to work with Nigerian tourism journalists to transform the industry.

 

He did not arrest me. He embraced me.

 

He did not silence me. He acknowledged my contribution.

 

Rather than regard me as an enemy, he chose to see me as a partner.

 

That experience taught me an important lesson: Fani-Kayode is a fighter, but not necessarily a hater. He can confront those who disagree with him, but he is also capable of reconciliation. His battles, as I have come to understand him, are driven by his convictions about Nigeria.

 

That is the Fani-Kayode I know. And that is the man South Africa is getting to know.

 

A man with a record in public service

 

Let us put the historical record in perspective.

 

David Oluwafemi Adewunmi Abdulateef Fani-Kayode, born on October 16, 1960, in Lagos to Chief Remilekun Adetokunbo Fani-Kayode and Chief (Mrs.) Adia Adunni Fani-Kayode of Ile-Ife, Osun State, is a lawyer, politician, essayist, poet, evangelical Christian and diplomat.

 

He served as Special Assistant on Public Affairs to President Olusegun Obasanjo from July 2003 to June 2006. On June 22, 2006, he was appointed Minister of Culture and Tourism, succeeding Frank Ogbuewu. He served in that capacity until November 7, 2006, when he was redeployed to the Ministry of Aviation, succeeding Babalola Borishade. He remained Aviation Minister until May 29, 2007.

 

In my assessment, he was one of the most outspoken ministers of the Obasanjo administration. He was not without shortcomings, but he was fearless, articulate and passionate about the responsibilities entrusted to him. He was never one to shy away from controversy or difficult conversations.

 

His tenure as Aviation Minister was particularly notable for his confrontational approach to foreign airlines operating in Nigeria, especially those accused of treating Nigerian passengers with disdain.

 

In January 2007, Fani-Kayode warned Virgin Atlantic and British Airways over complaints about their treatment of Nigerian passengers. His ministry accused the airlines of treating Nigerians with the “utmost contempt” during check-in procedures and onboard flights, warning that serious sanctions would follow if further complaints were established.

 

His position was unequivocal: “Nigerians are not second-class citizens and the Minister would not sit by and allow our people to be treated like animals by anybody or for any reason.”

 

He also directed foreign airlines to ensure that flights into Lagos arrived no later than 6 p.m., rather than 8 p.m. or 9 p.m., and threatened sanctions, including the grounding of airlines that failed to comply with the directives. He further threatened action against British airlines over alleged violations of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement.

 

To his supporters, these interventions represented an attempt to restore discipline and protect the dignity of Nigerian travellers in an industry where foreign carriers wielded considerable influence.

 

During his tenure, he also pushed for the resolution of issues surrounding the NAMA-Thales Air Traffic Management project, directing that negotiations commence to prevent the project from becoming a white elephant. He presented a memorandum to the Federal Executive Council seeking the payment of outstanding pension entitlements to former Nigeria Airways workers.

 

These are some of the episodes that define his record in public office.

 

That, to me, is Fani-Kayode. When he believes Nigerians are being humiliated, he is not inclined to remain silent.

 

South Africa: A new diplomatic assignment

 

His appointment as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, at a time when relations between both countries have been strained by recurring xenophobic attacks and concerns over the treatment of Nigerians, is therefore significant.

 

His recent interventions over issues affecting Nigerians in South Africa reflect the combative style I witnessed during his years as a minister.

 

Let us examine the developments surrounding his diplomatic assignment.

 

President Bola Tinubu initially approved Fani-Kayode’s ambassadorial posting on March 6, 2026, assigning him to Germany. On May 7, 2026, however, the President approved his redeployment to South Africa following a request for a change of posting involving a swap with Senator Ita Enang.

 

Fani-Kayode was among the 65 ambassadorial nominees confirmed by the Senate. In July 2026, he received his Letter of Credence.

 

On October 25, 2026, he arrived at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, where he was received by officials of the Nigerian High Commission and members of the Nigerian community. On arrival, he pledged to strengthen bilateral relations and improve the protection of Nigerians living in South Africa.

 

Five days later, on October 30, he presented copies of his Letters of Credence to Clayson Monyela, Deputy Director-General for Public Diplomacy and Acting Chief of State Protocol at South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), formally assuming duties as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini.

 

On November 13, 2026, he presented his Letter of Credence to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guest House in Pretoria, alongside ambassadors from 14 other countries.

 

The ceremony was particularly significant because it marked the posting of a substantive Nigerian ambassador to South Africa after a four-year gap.

 

However, an incident surrounding the ceremony immediately attracted attention.

 

According to Fani-Kayode, the South African Presidency livestreamed the introductions and speeches of all 15 ambassadors, except Nigeria’s. He subsequently raised the matter publicly, expressing concern that Nigeria’s presentation had been excluded.

 

“Of all the 15 introductions and speeches, only Nigeria’s was cut out,” he said.

 

What did he do? Did he ignore the incident or quietly return to his residence? No.

 

He reportedly confronted President Ramaphosa during the subsequent photo session, drawing his attention to the omission. To his credit, Ramaphosa directed him to the relevant officials, who acted promptly. The South African Presidency subsequently released the complete video.

 

That episode is revealing.

 

Fani-Kayode would not allow Nigeria to be excluded from the record without raising an objection. Not in a newspaper, not before foreign airlines and certainly not during an official diplomatic ceremony.

 

How Fani-Kayode may approach his diplomatic mandate

 

Based on my personal encounter with him, his public record and his interventions since arriving in South Africa, I believe his approach to the diplomatic assignment will be shaped by several defining principles.

 

He will speak firmly against the mistreatment of Nigerians.

 

Fani-Kayode is not a diplomat who prefers to whisper when he believes a matter demands a public response. He is more likely to speak openly and firmly, particularly when the safety, dignity and rights of Nigerians are involved.

 

He has already demonstrated this disposition.

 

At the inaugural Nigerian Fair held at the Nigerian Consulate in Johannesburg on November 8, 2026, he warned that growing xenophobic hostility posed a threat to African solidarity.

 

He recalled Nigeria’s contributions to South Africa’s liberation struggle between 1960 and 1994, putting the country’s contribution at no less than $61 billion.

 

He referenced the Southern Africa Relief Fund of 1976, popularly known as the Mandela Tax, through which Nigerian civil servants voluntarily surrendered portions of their salaries to support the African National Congress (ANC). He also recalled how schoolchildren donated portions of their lunch money, Nigeria deployed troops to frontline states and the country campaigned internationally, including at the United Nations, for the liberation of South Africa.

 

Describing xenophobia as a “very retrograde and almost primitive sentiment”, he argued that those responsible represented a minority driven by Afrophobia and xenophobic sentiments.

 

His warning was particularly direct: “Patience is wearing thin within the corridors of power in our country. They are not happy. They are angry. They feel you have not treated them well.”

 

That is Fani-Kayode’s style: direct, forceful and unapologetic.

 

He will defend Nigerians without necessarily advocating a breakdown in bilateral relations.

 

Importantly, Fani-Kayode has made it clear that Nigeria has no intention of severing its economic ties with South Africa.

 

He has dismissed calls for Nigeria to shut down South African businesses such as MTN, Shoprite and DStv, arguing that both countries have significant economic interests to protect. He cited MTN’s substantial daily revenue generation in Nigeria, estimated by him at about $12 million, to illustrate the depth of the economic relationship.

 

However, maintaining economic relations should not mean tolerating the mistreatment of Nigerians.

 

I expect him to prioritise three critical areas: Accountability for the deaths of Nigerians: He has raised concerns that at least 30 Nigerians have reportedly been killed by South African police in the last four years, including 12 since the beginning of 2026. He is likely to press for credible investigations and accountability.

Protection of Nigerian businesses: The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has called attention to passport delays, xenophobic attacks and the harassment of Nigerian-owned businesses. These concerns will require sustained diplomatic engagement.

Improved consular services: Nigerians in South Africa have complained about the slow, expensive and difficult process of passport renewal. Addressing these challenges should be a priority for the High Commission.

 

His approach could follow the pattern he adopted during his aviation ministry days: issue a warning, demand compliance and pursue appropriate action where necessary.

 

He will remind South Africa of Nigeria’s historical sacrifices.

 

Fani-Kayode is unlikely to approach the current challenges without reminding South Africans of the historical relationship between the two countries.

 

Nigeria played a significant role in the struggle against apartheid. From financial assistance and diplomatic campaigns to educational support and solidarity with liberation movements, Nigeria made substantial sacrifices towards the freedom South Africans enjoy today.

 

He will remind them that Nigeria’s support was not merely rhetorical. It involved the resources, sacrifices and collective commitment of ordinary Nigerians.

 

The Mandela Tax was a demonstration of that commitment. The ANC had a presence in Lagos, Nigerian resources supported the liberation struggle, and South African students benefited from educational opportunities provided by Nigeria.

 

As he reportedly stated: “We, from Nigeria, and truly the rest of Africa, have a stake in this, because we made contribution to what you are today.”

 

That is a powerful diplomatic argument. It is not necessarily an insult or a threat. It is a reminder of history, shared sacrifice and mutual responsibility.

 

And history, when properly invoked, can be a powerful instrument of diplomacy.

 

He will maintain direct engagement with Nigerians in South Africa.

 

One striking feature of Fani-Kayode’s early engagements in South Africa was his decision to meet with Nigerians and listen to their concerns.

 

His first official engagement was not simply a ceremonial gathering with government officials. It included a town hall meeting with members of the Nigerian community, where he listened to their grievances and assured them of the Federal Government’s commitment to their welfare.

 

I expect this people-centred approach to continue.

 

He could organise further engagements across Johannesburg, Pretoria, Durban and Cape Town, reaching out to Nigerians in churches, mosques, markets, schools and business communities.

 

A High Commissioner must be more than a representative of government in a foreign capital. He must also be a representative of the people, particularly citizens who need the protection and intervention of their country.

 

Beyond the Nigerian community, he will need to strengthen relationships with South African civil society organisations, ANC veterans who understand Nigeria’s historical contributions, business leaders with interests in both countries and younger South Africans who may not fully appreciate the history of Nigeria’s solidarity with their country.

 

He has an opportunity to use history as a bridge between generations.

 

He will deploy media and public communication as instruments of diplomacy.

 

Remember that Fani-Kayode once devoted considerable newspaper space to responding to my criticism as a young journalist. He understands the power of the media and the importance of controlling the narrative.

 

His handling of the livestream incident is another illustration.

 

Rather than allow the omission to pass unnoticed, he took the matter to the public domain, explained what had happened and drew attention to Nigeria’s exclusion. His intervention contributed to the subsequent release of the complete video.

 

This is an example of public communication serving a diplomatic purpose.

 

I expect him to maintain an active media presence through interviews, press conferences, television appearances, social media platforms and engagement with Nigerian media organisations operating in South Africa.

 

The objective should be to ensure that Nigeria’s position is clearly communicated and that the concerns of Nigerians are not ignored.

 

He will also need to ensure that Nigerians in South Africa have access to platforms through which their experiences and grievances can be heard.

 

In diplomacy, silence can sometimes be interpreted as acquiescence. Effective communication will therefore be essential to his assignment.

 

He will be firm without abandoning the pursuit of peace.

 

For all his combative tendencies, Fani-Kayode has also demonstrated an appreciation of reconciliation and the need to maintain peaceful relationships.

 

He has not called for war against South Africa. Neither has he advocated the wholesale rejection of the South African people.

 

On the contrary, he has urged prayers and understanding, acknowledging that the majority of South Africans are loving, caring, kind, respectable and decent people.

 

He has also called for restraint, insisting that leaders must look beyond provocation and work towards a better future.

 

As he reportedly said: “We must pray for them, we pray deliverance for them.”

 

He has also maintained that Nigerians must not allow the actions of a few individuals to define the relationship between both countries.

 

That is the balance he must maintain as a diplomat: confronting injustice without encouraging hostility, demanding accountability without destroying relationships and defending Nigerians without losing sight of the broader interests of Africa.

 

It is a delicate responsibility, but one that requires both courage and restraint.

 

Give Fani-Kayode his flowers

 

Let us give Fani-Kayode his flowers.

He is not a perfect man. No man is. He has been controversial, criticised, arrested, tried and vilified. His political journey has not been without difficult moments or public disagreements.

 

But, in my assessment, one thing has remained consistent throughout his public career: his passion for Nigeria and his determination to defend what he considers the country’s interests and dignity.

 

When he believed foreign airlines were humiliating Nigerian travellers, he confronted them. Now, as Nigeria’s representative in South Africa, he is raising his voice over issues affecting Nigerians.

 

When a journalist criticised him, he chose engagement and reconciliation over intimidation. When he believed Nigeria had been excluded from an important diplomatic event, he raised the matter directly with the South African President.

 

These episodes reveal a man who is outspoken, combative and, at times, controversial, but also capable of engagement and reconciliation.

 

That is the man I encountered years ago. And that is the man I believe South Africa will have to engage with.

I believe his experience as Minister of Tourism and Aviation, coupled with his familiarity with public