Protests Erupt In South Africa Over “Nigerian King” Coronation In Eastern Cape

Scores of residents in Kugompo City (formerly East London), South Africa, along with traditional leaders and members of political parties including ActionSA, protested on Monday, 30 March, against the coronation of a so-called “Nigerian king” in the city.

Igbo chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko was reportedly crowned by a group of community members originally from Nigeria. He was proclaimed “Igwe Ndigbo Na East London” (King of the Igbo in East London).

The ceremony has sparked outrage on social media and among some government departments and traditional leaders in the province, who say the coronation is both unlawful and invalid.

The AbaThembu Royal Council and the Amathole House of Traditional Leaders argue that installing a “Nigerian king” on Xhosa land, under King Vululwandle Sandile, shows a deep disrespect for local customs.

Chief Xhanti, chairperson of the Amathole House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, said the coronation has offended the community. He said:

“An Igbo national from Nigeria was coronated as a king. Our people, including traditional leaders, are really pissed off with that because it undermines the sovereignty of our kingship here, which is led by King Vululwandle Sandile. This is a Xhosa territory. We are the descendants of King Phalo.”

The Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) has rejected the coronation, saying it was carried out without community consent or official recognition.

The Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA) has sought to calm tensions, saying the title is purely cultural and meant to preserve Igbo traditions for Nigerians living abroad.

According to NUSA, Chief Eziko’s role was intended as a “Cultural Ambassador” or mediator between Nigerian nationals and local South African authorities and consulates.

The organisation stressed that the title was never meant to compete with or replace the authority of South African traditional kings.

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