Violence Erupts in South Africa Over Nigerian ‘King’ Installation; FG Advises Nigerians to Stay Low-Profile
Tensions flared in KuGompo City, Eastern Cape, South Africa, following the alleged coronation of a Nigerian national as king, prompting the Nigerian High Commission to issue a safety advisory to Nigerians in the country. The circular, titled “Advisory to All Nigerians Living in the Republic of South Africa,” urged citizens to prioritize safety, limit movement, avoid inflammatory statements, and respect local laws amid rising tensions.
The unrest began after videos and images of Solomon Eziko being crowned “Igwe Ndigbo” circulated online. What started as a peaceful protest by local traditional leaders turned violent, resulting in stabbings, cars set ablaze, and property damage. Police deployed teargas and fire services to manage the chaos.
The demonstrations coincided with anti-migrant protests in the region, where South Africans called for stricter immigration restrictions on Nigerians and other African nationals. Leaders of groups such as ActionSA and the Patriotic Alliance condemned the coronation, describing it as unlawful and fake.
Police confirmed that several vehicles and buildings were damaged, and one person was stabbed in an incident unrelated to the protest. The Royal House of AbaThembu denied any involvement in the coronation, calling the social media claims “false and misleading.”
The Nigerian High Commission urged Nigerians to maintain a low profile, suspend socio-cultural activities, and avoid social media posts that could escalate tensions, emphasizing safety and law-abiding conduct during the unrest.
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