Tension has escalated in South Africa’s Eastern Cape following a wave of xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians, triggered by outrage over the reported installation of a Nigerian, Solomon Eziko, as Igwe Ndigbo (Igbo leader) in the region.
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The unrest, which broke out in the city of East London, covering areas such as Albany and Buffalo under KuGompo, saw protesters take to the streets on Monday, condemning what they described as a violation of South Africa’s traditional authority system.
The unrest, which broke out in the city of East London, covering areas such as Albany and Buffalo under KuGompo, saw protesters take to the streets on Monday, condemning what they described as a violation of South Africa’s traditional authority system.
The installation, said to have taken place in early March, was interpreted by locals as an attempt to establish a parallel traditional leadership structure.
The protests quickly degenerated into violence, with at least 26 Nigerians reportedly injured and hospitalised.
Properties worth millions of rands, including shops and vehicles, were looted or destroyed.
Viral videos circulating online showed scenes of Nigerians being assaulted, harassed, and forced to shut down their businesses, while others fled for safety amid the chaos.
Frank Onyekwelu, President of the Nigerian Citizen Association South Africa, alleged that the controversy merely provided a pretext for long-standing anti-foreigner sentiments.
According to him, tensions had been building prior to the incident, with increasing calls by some South Africans for the expulsion of foreign nationals.
“They used the coronation as an excuse. There has been a growing campaign to reclaim South Africa for South Africans, accompanied by hate speech across media platforms”, Onyekwelu said.
He added that Nigerian-owned businesses were deliberately targeted, particularly in the Eastern Cape and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, with reports of looting, arson, and threats to lives.
Onyekwelu described the attacks as “xenophobic and prejudiced,” noting that similar hostility is rarely directed at non-African expatriates such as Europeans or Asians.
However, not all Nigerians in South Africa share the same view as a community source, who spoke anonymously, criticised the installation of the Igbo leader, calling it ill-timed and provocative.
“The crowning was a mistake, especially during a municipal election year when anti-migrant sentiment is already high,” the source said, warning of potential renewed protests.
He added that although Nigerians were the primary targets, other foreign nationals, including Somalis, Pakistanis, and Ethiopians, also suffered losses during the unrest.
The source further revealed that some community leaders had cautioned against the move prior to the event but were ignored.
Defending the action, Onyekwelu insisted that the Igwe Ndigbo title is purely ceremonial and meant to preserve Igbo culture among Nigerians in the diaspora, not to challenge South African sovereignty.
Similarly, Smart Nwobi, President-General of the Nigerian Union South Africa, described the crisis as a “misinterpretation of a cultural event.”
“Our people are living in fear. Many businesses remain shut, and several Nigerians have stayed indoors for safety,” he said.
He added that the situation required urgent clarification from stakeholders.
President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in South Africa, ABC Okokoh, also denied that any formal coronation took place, stating that the event was merely a symbolic recognition during a private gathering.
“It was not about kingship or governance. There was no attempt to establish a traditional authority,” Okokoh explained.
The South African government has, however, taken a firm stance on the matter.
Khumbudzo Ntshavheni , Cabinet spokesperson criticised the incident, describing the purported coronation as illegitimate and disrespectful to local customs.
“Our heritage and customs must be respected, particularly by visitors,” she said.
She warned that traditional leadership structures in South Africa are strictly governed by law.
Ntshavheni acknowledged an apology from Nigerian authorities but stressed that any grievances must not lead to violence, urging protesters to act within the law.
Nigeria’s diaspora authorities have begun reviewing the situation. The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), through Abdur-Rahman Balogun, its spokesperson confirmed that investigations were ongoing.
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, NiDCOM Chairman had called for calm, attributing the crisis to “misconception and misinterpretation” of a cultural celebration.
