 has called for an urgent investigation and government intervention following the reported crowning of a Nigerian community leader in the Eastern Cape.){kind=link}
By Charmaine Ndlela
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) has called for an urgent investigation and government intervention following the reported crowning of a Nigerian community leader in the Eastern Cape.
The party’s call follows reports that Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko was conferred with the title Igwe Ndigbo Na East London at a ceremony held in KuGompo City on 14 March.
The event was described as a celebration of the cultural contributions of Nigerians who have lived in the Eastern Cape for more than 30 years.
ATM national spokesperson Zama Ntshona said the party was demanding a coordinated response from key state institutions, warning that failure to act could undermine South Africa’s legal framework, traditional leadership structures, and social cohesion.
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According to the ATM, the recognition of traditional leadership in South Africa is governed by the Constitution and national law, and cannot simply be replicated through processes outside those frameworks.
The party said that traditional leadership in South Africa is rooted in local history, identity and customary lineage, and authorities should establish whether any laws or regulations were breached.
The party further warned that allowing such actions to go unchecked could set a dangerous precedent, undermine recognised traditional authorities and weaken the rule of law.
The ATM called on Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane to institute a full provincial investigation, while also urging Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber to investigate the immigration status and activities of those involved.
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It has also called on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa to take steps to protect the integrity of South Africa’s traditional leadership institutions.
In addition, the party wants the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities, together with the Eastern Cape Department of Traditional Affairs, to investigate the matter and clarify its legal status.
Ntshona said that while South Africa remains a diverse and inclusive society, cultural practices must be exercised within the bounds of the law and with respect for the country’s governance systems.
The party said that any delay or inaction by authorities could embolden lawlessness, weaken institutional credibility, and fuel public frustration.