FG Urges Nigerians in South Africa to Keep Low Profile After Violence over Igbo King’s Coronation

Tensions erupted on March 30 in East London, Eastern Cape, when protesters opposed the installation of Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as an Igbo traditional ruler. Demonstrators torched vehicles and buildings linked to foreign nationals in response to the ceremony. Leaders from ActionSA and the Patriotic Alliance condemned the event. Athol Trollip stated there is no legal basis for a foreign national to assume a local chieftaincy. Steve Motale labelled the coronation “fake” and welcomed the Nigerian High Commissioner’s denouncement. Police confirmed that 12 vehicles and several buildings were damaged. The fire department and Public Order Policing Unit remain on the scene as authorities assess the situation and manage the unrest. In a 10-point advisory, the Nigerian High Commission urged citizens in South Africa to prioritise safety, limit movements, respect local laws, avoid large gatherings, and suspend socio-cultural activities until tensions subside.

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