Violent unrest has broken out in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa following protests against the controversial coronation of an Igbo traditional ruler, with demonstrators torching vehicles and looting shops owned by foreign nationals.
The protests, led by members of ActionSA alongside traditional leaders and residents on Monday, were initially staged in opposition to what organisers described as a violation of the province’s sovereignty, constitutional order, and recognised traditional leadership structures.
The Newsmatrics reports that protesters were irked by videos circulating online showing the “coronation” of one Solomon Ezike as “Igwe Ndigbo na East London” (king of Igbos in East London), a major port city in the Eastern Cape province at a time when xenophobic sentiments were already running high in South Africa.
However, tensions escalated rapidly in KuGompo City, where the protests turned violent, forcing police to intervene and disperse crowds, according to SABC News.
Video evidence shared on X showed protesters setting several vehicles and buildings allegedly belonging to foreigners on fire, while security forces intensified efforts to restore order.
“Protesters have torched vehicles and buildings allegedly belonging to foreign nationals in protest against the installation of a Nigerian king in the Eastern Cape,” Newsroom Afrika reported.
Similarly, CDR Africa disclosed that the unrest reflected growing outrage over the coronation, with foreign-owned properties becoming primary targets.
The situation further deteriorated, with eNCA reporting that the violence turned deadly following a stabbing incident allegedly involving Ethiopian shop owners.
At least two people were taken to the hospital for treatment, while several vehicles were destroyed in the chaos.
ActionSA’s Eastern Cape chair, Athol Trollip, reaffirmed the party’s opposition to the coronation in East London, describing it as unlawful and inconsistent with South Africa’s traditional leadership framework.
He said, “With the traditional leadership of the Eastern Cape, all the traditional leaders, and the people of the province, let me state clearly that ActionSA’s policy on illegal immigration is very clear. If you are in this country illegally and commit any offence, you will be sent back home.
“This is a sovereign nation. It is our nation, and we are protected by a constitution. Nowhere in our constitution is there a provision for a Nigerian from the Igbo tribe to be crowned as a king in the Eastern Cape.
“Beyond that, the utterances made at the coronation are what concern us as a party. They claimed to have established a kingship.”
He added that the party stood firmly with recognised traditional authorities, insisting that due process must be followed in matters of cultural and traditional governance.
“We have a painful history of homelands in this province—the former Ciskei and Transkei—where people were displaced, their land expropriated, and opportunities limited. We will not tolerate the establishment of another homeland.
“They went further to say they would encourage their brothers and sisters in Nigeria, in their hundreds of thousands, to come and establish a homeland here. That will not happen. This province is not up for the taking.
“We respect our traditional leaders. There are five recognised kingships acknowledged by the president and the constitution.
“We also take exception to the Nigerian Embassy’s claim that the coronation was merely customary. We want the Nigerian government to speak clearly against it, and we want our government to make an unambiguous statement affirming its recognition of existing traditional leaders and rejecting any Igbo kingship in the Eastern Cape or South Africa,” he added.
Some protesters issued stark warnings, vowing to escalate resistance if authorities fail to address their concerns.
A protester, Inoksi Sigcawu, said residents were prepared to “take up arms” if the matter remained unresolved, while others called for the deportation of Nigerians linked to the coronation.
Sigcawu said, “Our sovereignty is defined by the Constitution and the laws of this country. No one can come from elsewhere and undermine the authority of this nation or this kingdom.
“We are led by King Jongilizwe Sandile, a descendant of King Palo. We are appealing to the government to ensure that anyone involved in this illegal coronation is removed from the country immediately, whether they entered legally or not.
“We also call on authorities to investigate foreign-owned businesses, including spaza shops, to verify documentation.
“If law enforcement fails to act, people may take matters into their own hands. We do not want that, but we will not allow our authority to be undermined.”
He added that tensions must be addressed urgently to prevent further escalation.
The protesters had earlier marched through parts of the province, demanding immediate government intervention and warning that failure to act could trigger further unrest.
In a statement on Monday signed by Sinawo Thambo, its national spokesperson, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a pressure group in South Africa, said the department of cooperative governance and traditional affairs (COGTA) holds the exclusive right to determine and legitimise kings, queens, traditional leaders and royal authorities in the country.
“In order for an individual to be recognised as a royal or traditional authority in South Africa, the Minister for COGTA must make recommendations to the President of the Republic of South Africa, who subsequently utilises the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act of 2019 to formally recognise a king or a queen,” the group stated.
The EFF said this recognition is then formalised through a notice in the government gazette.
The group said it is not only offensive but also illegal for any individual to declare themselves a monarch outside these legislative processes.
It added that “it is even more insulting for a foreign national to declare kingship in another country.”
According to the group, kingship is not only ceremonial but is tied to the legislative framework of South Africa, bestowing authority over people and land on an individual under the sovereignty of the state.
“It is not to be taken lightly, nor should it be declared by individuals without any legal authority,” the group said.
The Newsmatrics reports that a similar protest erupted in July 2023 over the declaration of prominent Igbo leader, Chukwudi Ihenetu, as Eze Ndigbo Ghana, which national has claimed was an attempt to exert a parallel authority in the country, including over land rights.
Meanwhile, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission said it had yet to receive any official report regarding alleged attacks on Nigerians abroad, dismissing claims circulating on social media.
Speaking on the issue, NiDCOM spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun said the commission could not act on unverified reports and would rely on official diplomatic channels.
“Well, we will get a report from our embassy there. I cannot comment on your report,” he said.
Balogun noted that neither the victims nor any official body had formally reported the incident to the commission.
“I cannot respond to social media reports. When incidents of this magnitude occur, they are usually reported through official channels and captured by our diplomatic missions,” he added.
He assured us that the commission would liaise with Nigeria’s embassy in South Africa to verify the situation.
However, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria issued an advisory on Monday evening, urging Nigerians in South Africa to remain cautious and vigilant.
The advisory urged Nigerians to maintain a low profile, avoid large gatherings, limit unnecessary travel, and be mindful of their social media activities, warning that misinformation could escalate tensions.
It emphasised the importance of unity, caution, and adherence to local laws, noting that while South Africa offers significant opportunities, safety must remain a priority amid rising tensions.
The High Commission stressed that the advisory was not meant to cause panic but to encourage responsible behaviour and prevent avoidable risks during the period of uncertainty.
