Nigeria Apologises Over Igbo King Coronation Controversy in South Africa
The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has apologised for the tension and confusion surrounding the coronation of an Igbo king in the Eastern Cape Province.
Deputy High Commissioner Olajide Ogunmadeji delivered the apology on Tuesday while addressing a group of protesting South Africans, explaining that the event had been misunderstood.
According to him, the coronation 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 said.
“I offer our apology to the traditional institutions in South Africa. We say sorry for what has happened. The embassy would never encourage the undermining of the authority or institutions.”
The controversy followed the coronation of Nigerian national Solomon Eziko as the “Igwe” of Kugompo in South London, Eastern Cape, which sparked outrage and protests on Monday.
The demonstration, led by South African political party ActionSA, argued that the move violated the country’s constitutional and traditional systems. During the unrest, some vehicles belonging to foreign nationals were reportedly damaged, and a building was set on fire.
Protests continued on Tuesday, with demonstrators marching to the Nigerian embassy, where Ogunmadeji reassured them that the commission had no intention of destabilising South Africa or interfering with its traditional institutions.
In response to the situation, the High Commission also issued an advisory to Nigerians living in South Africa, urging them to remain cautious, limit their movements, and suspend social and cultural gatherings.
They were further advised to avoid making inflammatory statements that could escalate tensions, especially on social media.
