Protests Erupt in South Africa Over ‘Coronation’ of Nigerian as Igbo King

Protests Erupt in South Africa Over ‘Coronation’ of Nigerian as Igbo King

Tensions flared in Eastern Cape on Monday as residents, political groups and traditional leaders staged protests over the alleged coronation of a Nigerian national, Solomon Ogbonna Eziko, as a king.

The controversy followed the circulation of viral videos and images showing Eziko being crowned “Igwe Ndigbo” in a ceremony reportedly held in KuGompo City, formerly known as East London.

According to local reports, demonstrators—including members of ActionSA, the Patriotic Alliance, civic group March and March, as well as traditional authorities—took to the streets carrying placards and national flags, describing the development as unlawful and unacceptable.

Eastern Cape leader of ActionSA, Athol Trollip, questioned the legality of the move, insisting that there is no constitutional basis for a foreign national to assume kingship within the province.

“There’s no constitutional provision for any foreigner, legal or illegal, to coronate themselves in the Eastern Cape and call for the establishment of a homeland,” he said.

Also reacting, spokesperson for the Patriotic Alliance, Steve Motale, condemned the development, noting that even Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in South Africa had reportedly distanced itself from the incident.

Traditional leaders were equally critical, with the President of the Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa (Contralesa), Kgosi Mathupa Mokoena, stressing that kingship must follow recognised cultural and legal processes.

“If they have kingship in their family, let them be recognised in their own country, not here in South Africa,” he said.

Meanwhile, the AbaThembu Royal House denied any involvement in the alleged coronation, rejecting claims that its monarch, King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo, endorsed or recognised the Nigerian national.

In a statement, royal ambassador Matthew Mpahlwa described the viral reports as false and misleading.

Earlier, the African Transformation Movement had called for a formal investigation into the matter, warning that such actions could undermine traditional leadership institutions and the rule of law.

The incident has sparked broader debate over cultural authority, legality and the role of foreign nationals within South Africa’s traditional governance structures.