Nigerian High Commission apologizes for Igbo king coronation protests in South Africa
The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has issued a formal apology for the crisis sparked by the coronation of Solomon Eziko as the “Igwe” of Kugompo in the Eastern Cape Province. Deputy High Commissioner Olajide Ogunmadeji addressed protesting South Africans on Tuesday, clarifying that the event was purely ceremonial and not an attempt to establish a parallel traditional authority. “They are just there to celebrate their cultural activity. It is not a political institution or a traditional institution,” he stated, adding, “The embassy would never encourage the undermining of the authority or institutions.” The coronation triggered major protests led by the ActionSA political party, which argued it violated constitutional order. During Monday’s protests, several cars belonging to foreign nationals were damaged and a building was set on fire. The High Commission has advised Nigerians in South Africa to limit movement, maintain a low profile, and suspend all socio-cultural activities to avoid escalating tensions. The advisory also warns against making inflammatory statements on social or mainstream media. This incident highlights the sensitivity around cultural titles and foreign traditional roles within South Africa’s constitutional framework.