As the Senate prepares to screen President Bola Tinubu’s 65 ambassadorial nominees, concerns have mounted over five nominees with legal or public controversy histories. The list includes Ayodele Oke, Ibok-Ete Ibas, Okezie Ikpeazu, Reno Omokri, and Femi Fani-Kayode, all previously linked to allegations or disputes ranging from corruption to political reversals. Opposition parties and civil society groups have criticised the composition of the list and questioned the suitability of several nominees.
Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu said no petitions had been formally received but confirmed the list had been referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs for a one-week screening. Critics, including Senator Ali Ndume and former diplomats, faulted alleged federal character breaches and questioned the nomination process. Civil society groups urged anti-corruption agencies and receiving countries to verify nominees, while experts noted that political ambassadorial appointments remain subject to presidential discretion and host country approval.