Government rejects ‘Nigerian king’ coronation as illegal

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.