By Anita Dangazele
- The Nigerian community crowned Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as Igwe Ndigbo Na East London in KuGompo on Saturday, 14 March.
- The Eastern Cape Congress of Traditional Leaders says the crowning is an insult to King Sandile and risks xenophobic tension.
The Nigerian community in KuGompo, formerly known as East London, crowned Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as Igwe Ndigbo Na East London on Saturday, 14 March.
Eastern Cape traditional leaders say the ceremony crossed a serious line.
The Eastern Cape Congress of Traditional Leaders of South Africa says the coronation disrespects King Sandile and the Rharhabe nation.
Provincial chair Chief Mwelo Nonkonyana spoke out against the ceremony.
“The idea of installing a Nigerian Traditional Leader within Rharhabe Kingship is an affront to His Majesty King Sandile and the entire Rharhabe nation,” Nonkonyana said.
Nonkonyana warned the move could trigger xenophobic tension among people who respect traditional and Khoisan leadership.
He said the congress plans to report the matter to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation, saying the issue could harm ties between South Africa and Nigeria.
The African Transformation Movement (ATM) also slammed the ceremony.
ATM leader Vuyo Zungula also weighed in on the crowning.
“The so-called installation of the King of East London by Nigerian Igwe is an insult to our country and our Royal Leadership institutions,” Zungula said.
The ATM says traditional leadership in South Africa follows strict laws and customs that cannot be ignored. The party called on Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane and Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber to investigate.
It wants a full probe to check if any laws were broken and to protect recognised traditional leaders.
The Nigerian community says the event was meant to celebrate their culture and their long presence in the area.
Pictured above: Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko.
Image source: Facebook
Scrolla Auto Uploader
scrolla.africa