The Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has congratulated former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, on his assumption of duty as Nigeria’s ambassador to South Africa, describing the appointment as a source of pride for the people of Ile-Ife, the Yoruba race and the country as a whole.

Mr Ogunwusi said Mr Fani-Kayode’s diplomatic assignment was a significant moment for Ile-Ife, Nigeria and the Yoruba people, expressing confidence in his ability to represent the country’s interests and strengthen the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and South Africa.

The congratulatory message was conveyed in a statement issued on Saturday by Sodiq Lawal, senior media officer at the Ooni’s Palace, on behalf of the director of media and public affairs, Moses Olafare.

Mr Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation and an indigene of Ile-Ife, recently presented his letters of credence to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the South African Presidential Guest House in Pretoria.

According to the statement, Mr Fani-Kayode described his posting as the first appointment of a substantive Nigerian ambassador to South Africa in four years.

Mr Ogunwusi, who is also the co-chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria and permanent chairman of the Southern Nigerian Traditional Rulers Council, said the appointment reflected the capacity of an illustrious son of Ile-Ife to serve the country on the international stage.

The monarch expressed confidence that the ambassador would draw on his experience in public service, political engagement and international relations to deepen bilateral relations between the two countries.

Mr Ogunwusi expressed optimism that Mr Fani-Kayode would discharge his responsibilities with distinction, patriotism and commitment to national development.

He further urged him to leverage his diplomatic position to deepen friendship and cooperation between Nigeria and South Africa.

The monarch wished the ambassador a successful and rewarding tenure, praying for divine wisdom, protection and guidance in the discharge of his responsibilities.