Ibadan, Oyo State – March 7, 2026
Prominent Yoruba nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has called on Nigeria’s newly appointed career and non-career ambassadors to collaborate closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in improving the country’s international perception and standing.
In a statement issued to journalists on Saturday, Igboho congratulated the 65 ambassadors and high commissioners whose postings were approved by President Tinubu on March 6, 2026, describing the appointments as a strategic move to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic presence across the world.
Igboho specifically praised the inclusion of several high-profile Yoruba indigenes on the list and commended President Tinubu for what he described as a deliberate effort to recognise merit and regional balance in diplomatic appointments.
“I, on behalf of Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, want to specifically commend President Bola Tinubu for deeming it fit to appoint him and other Yoruba indigenes as ambassadors for our diplomatic missions. This is indeed commendable,” Igboho stated.
He particularly welcomed Fani-Kayode’s posting as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany, describing it as a well-deserved recognition of the former Aviation Minister’s experience, eloquence and international exposure. Igboho also thanked the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olushola Alao, and President Tinubu’s lawyer, Chief Oluwole Afolabi SAN, for what he said were instrumental roles in facilitating Fani-Kayode’s nomination and confirmation.
The activist urged all the ambassadors—both career diplomats and non-career appointees—to leverage their expertise, networks and leadership qualities to project Nigeria positively on the global stage.
“Nigeria’s image abroad has suffered in recent years due to various challenges. These distinguished men and women now have a golden opportunity to help rebuild that image through diligent service, effective representation and strong advocacy for our national interests,” Igboho said.
He encouraged Nigerians across ethnic, religious and political divides to support the new envoys and to join hands in portraying the country in a favourable light despite its socio-economic difficulties.
“Regardless of tribe, religion, political affiliation or ethnic background, let us all work together to project Nigeria positively. Our collective reputation benefits every citizen,” he added.
Politics Nigeria and other outlets reported on Friday that President Tinubu had approved the immediate deployment of 65 ambassadors and high commissioners following their confirmation by the Senate in December 2025. The list comprises 31 career diplomats and 34 non-career appointees drawn from politics, the military, academia and the private sector.
Key non-career postings include:
- Femi Fani-Kayode – Berlin, Germany
- Senator Jimoh Ibrahim – Permanent Representative to the United Nations, New York
- Reno Omokri – Mexico City, Mexico
- Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau – Beijing, China
- Lateef Kayode Are – Washington, D.C., United States
- Ayodele Oke – Paris, France
- Prof. Isaak Folorunso Adewole – Ottawa, Canada
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already secured agrément from several receiving countries, including the United Kingdom for Amb. Aminu Dalhatu and France for Amb. Ayodele Oke. Induction training for all appointees is expected to commence shortly.
Igboho’s endorsement of the appointments, particularly Fani-Kayode’s, is notable given the activist’s history of vocal advocacy for Yoruba self-determination and his past criticisms of the federal government. His decision to commend President Tinubu signals a possible shift toward constructive engagement on certain national issues, even as he continues to press for greater regional autonomy and equity.
Political observers view the statement as an attempt to rally support for the new diplomatic team while reinforcing the importance of ethnic balance and merit in public appointments. The inclusion of several prominent Yoruba figures on the list has been welcomed in parts of the South-West, where some leaders had previously expressed concern over perceived marginalisation in federal postings.
The broader diplomatic reshuffle is seen as part of the Tinubu administration’s strategy to revitalise Nigeria’s foreign service, deepen economic diplomacy, attract investment, strengthen diaspora engagement and reposition the country in an increasingly multipolar world.
As the ambassadors-designate prepare for induction and deployment, Igboho’s call for collective national projection underscores a recurring theme in Nigerian public discourse: the need for unity and positive international representation despite domestic challenges.
