The South African government has expressed strong displeasure over the reported coronation of an alleged Nigerian traditional leader in the Eastern London, Eastern Cape, describing the development as unacceptable and outside the country’s legal framework.
Speaking on the matter, a minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, conveyed the Cabinet’s position, stressing that the establishment or recognition of any traditional authority must strictly follow existing laws.
“Cabinet confirmed that any establishment, recognition of any traditional leadership structure are strictly governed by the traditional and consent leadership act, which provides clear and non-negotiable procedure for legitimacy and recognition,” she said.
The controversy stems from reports of a purported coronation of a Nigerian Igbo leader, which has drawn criticism and raised tensions within some communities.
Addressing the diplomatic dimension of the issue, Ntshavheni noted that the South African government had acknowledged an apology from the Nigerian mission.
“Cabinet noted the apology from the Nigerian High Commission on this matter, and directed therefore to continue engaging with the High Commission on the unacceptable manner of Nigerians in South Africa, that is unbecoming of visitors,” she stated.
She further emphasised the need for foreign nationals to respect local laws and customs, warning against actions that could undermine social cohesion.
“We must remind them, they are visitors in this country. It is deeply concerning that legitimate concerns over this matter have resulted in violence and criminality. Cabinet reminds South Africans that the right to protest comes with responsibility,” Ntshavheni added.
The South African government reiterated its commitment to maintaining order and upholding the rule of law, while also urging calm amid rising tensions linked to the incident.
Earlier, SaharaReporters reported that the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa denied the controversial installation of an “Igwe Ndigbo” (King of the Igbo people), distancing the Nigerian government from the controversial development that has sparked outrage among South African authorities and traditional leaders.
Protesters had taken to the streets demanding the immediate deportation of Nigerians linked to the event, warning of possible violent resistance if authorities failed to act.
The protest, led by members of the political group ActionSA alongside traditional leaders and community members, follows growing outrage over what demonstrators described as an affront to the province’s sovereignty, constitutional order, and established traditional leadership structures.
Unfortunately, the protest escalated into violence, with demonstrators setting vehicles ablaze and looting shops owned by foreign nationals, prompting police to move in to disperse demonstrators in KuGompo City as tensions escalated.
The protesters set several vehicles and buildings belonging to foreigners ablaze at KuGompo City and quickly moved to another location when police moved in to disperse them.
In a statement issued from Pretoria, the Nigerian High Commission insisted that no coronation took place and none was planned, describing circulating claims as misleading and capable of inflaming tensions between both countries.
“The High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the Republic of South Africa wishes to address recent developments concerning the reported installation of an individual as ‘Igwe Ndigbo na East London’ (King of the Igbo people in East London) by members of the Nigerian community in South Africa,” the statement read.
“The High Commission has taken note of the concerns expressed by South African authorities, particularly the esteemed traditional leadership structures, and members of the public regarding this matter.
“The Mission notes with regret that this development has generated understandable concerns among South African authorities, traditional leaders, and the general public, particularly in the light of the country’s established legal and cultural frameworks governing traditional leadership.”
“The Federal Republic of Nigeria holds the sovereignty, laws, customs, and traditions of the Republic of South Africa and its people in the highest regard,” the statement said.
“Nigeria deeply values the longstanding bilateral relations between both countries, which are anchored on mutual respect, cooperation, and a shared commitment to African unity and development.”
Attempting to calm tensions, the Nigerian mission attributed the controversy to a misunderstanding of Igbo cultural practices, noting that community gatherings and honorary titles are often misinterpreted as political or territorial assertions.
“At this point, we would like to crave the indulgence of the public to explain the essence of cultural events in Nigeria,” the statement continued.
“Nigeria by composition is made up of diverse ethnic nationalities, the three major of which are Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo.”
The Commission explained that Igbo cultural life revolves around festivals, ceremonies, and symbolic titles that have no political authority outside their cultural context.
