A controversial coronation of a Nigerian “Igbo king” has ignited tensions in the Eastern Cape, prompting a united protest by civic groups and political parties who have condemned the move as illegal and disrespectful to South Africa’s traditional leadership.
The protest unfolded in East London on Monday, March 30, as ISANCO, the March & March movement, ActionSA and other organisations took to the streets in a coordinated show of resistance, signalling a growing national backlash against the March 14 installation of Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as Igwe Ndigbo.
Marchers demanded urgent government intervention, accusing authorities of remaining silent while what they described as a “bogus” kingship was established on South African soil.
However, the Igbo umbrella body, Ohanaeze Ndigbo South Africa (ONSA), has rejected claims that a monarchy was formed, insisting the event was purely cultural.
“In this context, [Igwe] does not imply the creation of a monarchy or any claim to sovereign territory,” the organisation said, adding that the matter was being “misconstrued intentionally” and politicised.
Despite this, ISANCO president Zukile Luyenge delivered a scathing critique of both the coronation and government inaction, describing the development as a national humiliation.
“It is shocking and disrespectful for the Nigerian citizens to come to South Africa both legal and illegal and conduct a bogus coronation of a so-called Igbo King. Where else in the world has anybody done such a humiliation or only in South Africa. No wonder they call our country a Banana Republic, where every foreign citizen has too much liberty to do as he or she wishes.”
Luyenge described the silence from the ruling party and GNU partners as “deafening”, accusing leaders in the Eastern Cape of prioritising internal power struggles over governance and allowing “politics of the stomach” to take precedence.
He said ISANCO had thrown its full weight behind the protest, arguing that civil society had stepped in where the government had failed.
“If the authorities found a way to swiftly intervene there was not gonna be a need for all these efforts because they don’t come cheap.”
Luyenge reiterated the organisation’s support for traditional leadership, saying indigenous systems remain central to community stability and should be strengthened, not undermined.
He called for a full investigation into the coronation.
“ISANCO wants the bogus coronation of Nigerian Igbo king to be fully investigated to leave no stone unturned.”
ActionSA also joined the march in solidarity with traditional leaders, warning that the incident sets a dangerous precedent.
Speaking to The Star, ActionSA parliamentary leader Athol Trollip said the party rejected any attempt to establish parallel traditional authority in South Africa.
“We believe that it's outrageous for a foreigner to come and establish a kingship and call for the establishment of a homeland in the Eastern Cape.”
He said the move risked reopening painful historical wounds.
“They are the legacy of apartheid, and they are a very painful reminder of that legacy.”
Trollip said mobilising additional foreign nationals to back the initiative is untenable and will not be allowed.
He criticised the government’s silence, saying it had fuelled the need for public protest.
“And we expect the government to speak out, and they're not doing that. That's why there was a march today.”
Despite ONSA’s insistence that the ceremony was cultural, ISANCO has called for a full probe into the event, including allegations of bribery.
“We are closely engaging with the traditional leadership to get to the root of this despicable occurrence,” Luyenge said.
The Star
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