‘Stop disgracing your country’ … ‘You are the disgrace’ — Nigeria high commission, S’Africa trade words over Fani-Kayode

The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has called Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, “the disgrace and no-one else” as the row over Femi Fani-Kayode’s credentials ceremony escalates.

The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has called Vincent Magwenya, spokesperson to President Cyril Ramaphosa, “the disgrace and no-one else,” as the row over Femi Fani-Kayode’s credentials ceremony deepens.

The dispute began after Fani-Kayode alleged that the South African presidency had “refused” to air his speech during its livestream of ambassadors presenting their letters of credence. South Africa called it a “minor operational issue”.

Magwenya denied that the president had intervened: “Even when it’s institutionalised a lie remains a lie. There was no such intervention from the president or the presidency, and there will never be.”

However, in a statement posted on X, as reported by The Cable, the mission accused him of wilfully burning the bridge of peace and reconciliation between both countries.

“Did you really expect him to simply stomach your ill manners and keep quiet? If so you have misunderstood the character and nature of the Nigerian. We cannot be easily cowed,” it said.

The commission said it considered the dispute closed but would respond to further exchanges.