Nigerian High Commission: ‘Coronation never took place’
Violence erupted yesterday in KuGompo City in South Africa’s Eastern Cape, as protests against the reported coronation of Nigerian Igbo leader, Solomon Ogbonna Eziko escalated into widespread destruction, with vehicles and buildings set ablaze.
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The unrest followed the installation of Eziko as “Igwe Ndigbo Na East London.” The development has sparked outrage among some local residents and traditional authorities, who view it as an unlawful assertion of authority and a challenge to established cultural structures.

According to SABC News, tensions initially stemmed from a planned peaceful demonstration led by traditional leaders. The situation, however, deteriorated when some protesters broke away from the main gathering near the city hall, where a petition was being submitted.
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Police spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, confirmed that at least twelve vehicles had been damaged and several buildings torched. Emergency services, including fire crews and the Public Order Policing Unit, remain on the scene to restore order.
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The controversy intensified after a video of the coronation ceremony circulated widely online earlier this month, drawing sharp criticism. The AbaThembu Royal Council described the coronation as “an act of terror” and announced plans to contact the Nigerian Consulate. The council also rejected claims that King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo endorsed the installation.
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South Africa’s Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, criticised the move, warning that it undermines the legal framework governing traditional leadership.
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The Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders also distanced itself from the development, stating that no group has the authority to establish kingship structures outside the provisions of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act. The body warned that such actions threaten recognised institutions and customary law.

‎The disputed coronation reportedly took place within the jurisdiction of King Jonguxolo Vululwandle Sandile of the amaRharhabe Kingdom, further heightening tensions.
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Political pressure has also mounted, with ActionSA announcing plans to mobilise supporters for a protest march. The party’s parliamentary caucus leader, Athol Trollip, described the coronation as “unlawful and provocative,” warning it could inflame divisions.
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The tensions echoed a similar incident in Ghana in 2025, where protests broke out over plans by a “Nigerian King” to establish an Igbo Village on 50 acres of land, highlighting complexities around cultural influence and foreign-led community structures in parts of Africa.

‎The incident has also sparked heated debate on X (formerly Twitter). User, Tokunbo Oshisanya, criticised the destruction, stating that protesters were harming their own communities by targeting unrelated individuals and businesses.
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Another user, Modise M, a South African, defended local frustrations, arguing that South Africans understand their own challenges and warning that foreign nationals should avoid actions perceived as provocative.

‎Atlegang Monamodi, questioned the legitimacy of the coronation, asking how individuals could claim kingship in a land with existing traditional authorities.
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Another user dismissed the controversy as misinformation, insisting the title was being misrepresented and describing it as a community or union role rather than an actual kingship. He further argued that the backlash reflects underlying xenophobia, noting that other foreign communities maintain cultural associations in South Africa without similar reactions.
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Authorities have called for calm as tensions remain high, warning that continued violence risks deepening divisions and damaging local economies. Demonstrators have demanded the deportation of Eziko, while observers caution that misinformation and heightened emotions may be fueling unrest.