By Thapelo Molefe
The South African government has rejected the controversial “coronation” of a Nigerian national as a traditional leader in the Eastern Cape, declaring it unlawful and warning it has no standing under South African law.
Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said Cabinet viewed the event as having “no legal effect”, describing it as a “kindergarten gimmick” that does not comply with the country’s legislative framework governing traditional leadership.
“The establishment and recognition of any traditional leadership structure are strictly governed by law and non-negotiable procedures for legitimacy. This so-called coronation has no legal standing,” Ntshavheni said on Wednesday.
The remarks follow protests in kuGompo on Monday, sparked by the coronation of Nigerian Igbo chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko, who was given the title “Igwe Ndigbo Na East London”.
The demonstrations, initially peaceful, turned violent, with incidents of looting, torched vehicles and clashes between protesters and foreign nationals reported. Several people were injured as tensions escalated.
While organisers have described the event as a cultural celebration of Igbo Nigerians, it has been widely condemned by traditional leaders and political figures, who argue it undermines local authority and sovereignty.
Ntshavheni said the Cabinet had also noted an apology from the Nigerian High Commission and directed the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to continue engaging with Nigerian authorities.
She stressed that government intervention on the matter had begun before the protests.
“The engagement started when intelligence structures picked up the attempt to so-called coronate a chief. Government communication on this matter is not starting now,” she said.
Ntshavheni added that authorities, including traditional leadership structures, had already moved to clarify misinformation around the incident, including claims that it had been endorsed by recognised royal houses.
While condemning the coronation, the Cabinet also raised concern about the violence that followed.
“It is deeply concerning that legitimate grievances over this matter have resulted in acts of violence and criminality,” she said.
“Cabinet reminds South Africans that the right to protest comes with responsibility. It must be exercised peacefully and within the confines of the law.”
She further cautioned against generalising about Nigerian nationals, emphasising that many are in the country legally and contribute positively to the economy.
“The behaviour of a few should not lead to the generalisation of many. There are many Nigerians who are contributing meaningfully to the economy of this country,” she said.
At the same time, Ntshavheni struck a firm tone on compliance with South African laws.
“We must remind them they are visitors in this country. When they conduct themselves in a manner that is unbecoming, we will take it up through law enforcement and through diplomatic channels,” she said.
The incident comes as the Cabinet approved a revised White Paper on Citizenship, Immigration and Refugee Protection, which introduces stricter controls and aims to create a more coherent system for managing migration.
Ntshavheni said government remains confident that Nigerian authorities will cooperate in addressing the matter, adding that relations between the two countries remain strong.
“The Nigerian government will not stand aside and allow its citizens to undermine the authority of the state in South Africa,” she said.
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