Diplomatic tensions are rising between South Africa and Nigeria after a coalition of civic organisations formally lodged a memorandum of grievances with the Nigerian Embassy, demanding urgent clarity over the controversial “coronation” of an alleged Igbo king in the Eastern Cape.
The memorandum was delivered by Progressive Forces – United for Change, alongside other civic movements, yesterday and comes amid growing public concern and recent unrest in parts of the Eastern Cape linked to the incident.
Framing the issue as one of national importance, the group said the matter touches on “issues of sovereignty, respect for local governance systems, and the rule of law”, warning that conflicting accounts surrounding the event have already fuelled tensions.
“It has come to our attention that an event was publicly communicated and promoted as the installation or coronation of an ‘Igbo King’ in KuGompo (East London), Eastern Cape,” the memorandum stated. “Subsequent to public concern, conflicting statements have emerged attempting to downplay the nature of this event.”
The group argued that the inconsistencies have “heightened tensions and raised serious questions among South Africans”, particularly in communities where traditional leadership structures remain deeply embedded.
At the core of the dispute is the perceived establishment of parallel authority structures. The memorandum stressed that South Africa’s system of recognised traditional leadership, especially within the Eastern Cape, must be respected.
“Any parallel or perceived competing leadership structures, especially those framed in terms of kingship, are viewed as deeply inappropriate and potentially destabilising,” the document read.
The group also questioned the legitimacy of the titles being used, noting that even within Nigeria, traditional titles such as “Igwe” or “Eze” are governed by strict cultural and territorial frameworks.
The coalition further warned that the manner in which the issue has unfolded risks undermining already fragile social cohesion.
It outlined a set of demands directed at the Nigerian mission, including a “full disclosure of a clear account of the event”, identification of those involved, and confirmation of their legal status in cooperation with the Department of Home Affairs.
“We reiterate that this memorandum is not an act of hostility, but one that calls for accountability, transparency, and mutual respect between nations and communities,” the statement indicated.
The developments follow a circular from the Nigerian Embassy calling on its nationals to exercise caution amid heightened tensions. The advisory, issued by the High Commission of Nigeria in Pretoria, came after protests in KuGompo, formerly known as East London, turned violent on Monday.
In a circular titled “Advisory to All Nigerians Living in the Republic of South Africa”, the mission cited rising tensions and urged immediate caution.
The Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (COGTA) was among the government entities that condemned the coronation of the Nigerian king, who occupies land within the Rharhabe Kingdom, traditionally under the jurisdiction of the amaRharhabe Kingdom, led by King Sandile.
In response, MEC Zolile Williams rejected the act as a threat to South African sovereignty.
Williams distanced the department and the House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders from the coronation event, which he described as an illegitimate effort that undermines the nation’s cultural and legal frameworks.
“Any nefarious attempt to defy and undermine the sovereignty of our country will be met with the full might of the rule of law,” Williams said.
He called for immediate intervention from the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and law enforcement agencies to address the situation.
The Chairperson of the Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders, Nkosi Mpumalanga Gwadiso, labelled the act a flagrant violation of established protocols governing traditional leadership.
Gwadiso said it also reflects troubling disrespect for the culture and authority of the amaRharhabe Kingdom.
“This unilateral and unlawful installation of an individual purporting to be a ‘king’ is irregular and deeply disrespectful to our heritage,” he said, warning that the act carries potential ramifications for social cohesion and community integrity.
The House reiterated that the recognition and establishment of any traditional leadership structure must align with the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, which outlines clear procedures for legitimacy and recognition.
Gwadiso added that traditional leaders across the province and the country consistently advocate against xenophobia and violence, but stressed that the recent actions could provoke avoidable conflict.
He called for a firm commitment to preserving the integrity of traditional leadership institutions and promoting peaceful coexistence and mutual respect across all communities in South Africa.
On Monday, residents of KuGompo, alongside March and March, staged a large demonstration in protest against the coronation, which has stirred widespread discontent across the Eastern Cape and beyond.
Bambilizwe Sigcawu, a member of the Amaxhosa royal family, said the community’s frustrations highlight the importance of upholding South Africa’s constitutional order.
“No one can come from wherever that person comes from and undermine the authority of this country, especially this kingdom,” he said.
Sigcawu also called for the expulsion of all participants involved in the coronation, regardless of their legal status in the country.
DAILY NEWS
Sipho Jack,Karabo Ngoepe
iol.co.za
