Cabinet ‘disgusted’ over illegal coronation of Nigerian chief, says Ntshavheni

Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni says the government has expressed “disgust” at what she described as the so-called coronation of Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as Igwe Ndigbo of East London, in KuGompo City.

Ntshavheni briefed the media on Thursday in Pretoria on the outcomes of a Cabinet meeting held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Her remarks follow protests over the alleged coronation, which ended in violence, with cars torched and shops looted.

Civic groups and political parties have condemned the event as illegal and disrespectful to South Africa’s traditional leadership.

“Our heritage and customs must be respected by all, particularly our visitors,” Ntshavheni said.

“The Cabinet expressed disgust at the so-called coronation of a Nigerian national as an alleged chief in KuGompo City in the Eastern Cape. It is a mere kindergarten gimmick and has no legal effect.”

She said the Cabinet had confirmed that the establishment, recognition and functioning of any traditional leadership structure are strictly governed by legislation, which sets out clear and non-negotiable procedures for legitimacy.

Ntshavheni added that the Cabinet had noted the apology from the Nigerian High Commission and had directed the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco) to continue engaging in what it described as “unacceptable conduct”.

“We must remind them they are visitors in this country,” she said.

She also condemned the violence linked to the protests.

“It is deeply concerning that legitimate grievances over this matter have resulted in acts of violence and criminality.”

“The right to protest comes with responsibility and must be exercised peacefully and within the confines of the law.”

IOL News previously reported that the protests began earlier this week over the coronation of Eziko as king of the Igbo community in East London.

However, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria said no official coronation had taken place, describing the gathering as “purely symbolic”.

“Contrary to the narrative in the public domain, no coronation took place and none was intended,” the commission said in a statement.

It also issued a safety advisory urging Nigerian nationals in South Africa to keep a low profile, avoid gatherings and refrain from inflammatory social media posts.

The demonstration began peacefully on Monday, with participants including members of ActionSA, the Patriotic Alliance (PA), anti-migrant group March and March, and traditional leaders.

Tensions escalated after a foreign national allegedly stabbed a protester, who was taken to hospital with serious injuries. 

The incident triggered retaliation and widespread destruction in parts of the town, including Albany, Buffalo and Oxford streets.

The Nigerian High Commission apologised to Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane, saying the event was a cultural celebration and expressing regret over the negative perception it created.

“The pomp, fanfare and media coverage surrounding the event are highly regretted,” the commission said.

Despite the apology, unrest continued, prompting Mabuyane to call for calm.

Protesters later handed a memorandum to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, calling for stronger action against illegal foreign nationals, before dispersing.

Eastern Cape police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said at least 10 vehicles were destroyed and one building partially damaged.

“Confirmed figures of damaged vehicles are 10, with one partially torched building in North End,” she said. 

“Firefighters extinguished the blaze in time. No arrests have been made so far.”

Public order police remain deployed in the affected areas.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL Politics