Protesters in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province set fire to vehicles and buildings owned by foreign nationals on Monday, deepening tensions sparked by the controversial installation of a Nigerian Igbo leader as a traditional “local king” in KuGompo city.
The violence erupted after the March 24 installation of Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as Igwe Ndigbo Na East London, a cultural title conferred by members of the Nigerian Igbo community in the area.
Eastern Cape authorities and local residents condemned the ceremony, arguing that appointing a foreign national as a “king” violated South African customs and undermined national sovereignty.
Reports monitored here said the protesters torched several foreign‑owned cars and businesses on Monday as anger over the ceremony spilled into the streets.
Civil society groups also staged a picket outside the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, demanding clarity on the event and accusing some Nigerians of criminal activity – claims that have long fuelled xenophobic tensions in parts of South Africa.
Eziko, known for philanthropic work within the Nigerian community in East London, was installed by diaspora groups who described the title as a cultural symbol rather than a political authority.
Nigerian community leaders insisted the ceremony was misunderstood.
Frank Onyekwelu, president of the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa, said the title was meant solely to promote unity and preserve Igbo cultural identity in the diaspora.
“It does not possess, nor does it seek to exercise, any political or governmental authority within South Africa,” he said, adding that no “kingdom” had been created.
The Nigerian High Commission distanced the government from the event, apologising to South African traditional leaders.
JN/APA