Nigeria: Violence erupts in South Africa over ‘king’ installation

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Mamos Nigeria

The Nigerian High Commission in South Africa has issued a 10-point advisory to Nigerians in the country, urging them to maintain a low profile amid rising tensions over the alleged installation of an Igbo traditional ruler in KuGompo City, Eastern Cape.

Violence broke out yesterday, with reports of stabbing, cars torched, and property vandalized, after videos and images of Solomon Eziko being crowned ‘Igwe Ndigbo’ went viral. The Nigerian High Commission has advised citizens to prioritize safety, exercise caution, and respect local laws and customs.

The South African police have responded to the scene, with emergency services and the Public Order Policing Unit present. Twelve vehicles have been damaged, and several buildings have been torched. A man was allegedly stabbed in the back by a foreign national and taken to hospital.

The incident has sparked condemnation from various groups, including ActionSA and the Patriotic Alliance, who argue that the coronation is unlawful. The Royal House of AbaThembu has denied reports that King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo welcomed and granted royalty to the Nigerian national.