“It was a great and historic morning today at the South African Presidential Guest House in Pretoria where I had the honour and privilege of presenting my letters of credence to His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of the Republic of South Africa, along with Ambassadors from 14 other countries”
Oore takes pride in Femi Fani-Kayode as he serves Nigeria in South Africa
By John Odunjo
The Oore of Otun Ekiti and the Paramount Ruler of Mobaland, Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo, has taken pride in a chief in Mobaland, and Ambassador to South Africa, His Excellency, Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode as he performs his duty in South Africa.
Ambassador Femi Fani-Kayode is the the Aare Ajagunla of Mobaland.
Oba Adeagbo saluted Fani-Kayode on Friday just as the ambassador, alongside his counterparts from 14 other countries were with the President of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, at the South African Presidential Guest House in Pretoria.
The monarch stated, “The Oore of Otun Ekiti and Paramount Ruler of Mobaland, Ekiti State, congratulates the Aare Ajagunla of Mobaland and Ambassador to South Africa, His Excellency, Ambassador Fani Kayode. We are proud of you in Mobaland and more grace as you represent your Fatherland, Amin. Ashe Edumare”.
Commenting on the event in South Africa on Friday, Fani-Kayode had stated, “It was a great and historic morning today at the South African Presidential Guest House in Pretoria where I had the honour and privilege of presenting my letters of credence to His Excellency, President Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of the Republic of South Africa, along with Ambassadors from 14 other countries.
“It was a beautiful and historic occassion which witnessed the first posting of a substantive Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of South Africa in four years”.
The South African officials singled the Nigerian ambassador, Fani-Kayode, out and refused to air his formal introduction and speech live, but he protested, saying, “I raised the issue with President Ramaphosa directly during the course of the photo session and whilst we were still on the premises and, in fairness to him, he took me to the relevant officials and acted with despatch.
“Right there in my presence he (the President) questioned them and directed them to resolve the issue immediately.
“Whilst still on the premises, when offered an interview by @SABCNews, the South African State Broadcaster, I turned them down as a consequence of the deplorable way we were treated and I told them to go and listen to my speech instead which their Presidency officials had refused to air.
“One thing is clear, I have immense respect and affection for South Africa and the South African people, but I will not be anywhere or tolerate anyone that disrespects or treats our Government or our people flippantly.
“My thanks goes to President Ramaphosa for his concern and timely intervention.
“God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria and God bless the Republic of South Africa,” Fani-Kayode stated.
