Violent unrest has erupted in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa as locals protested against the installation of an Igbo traditional ruler in their homeland, with demonstrators torching foreign-owned vehicles, buildings and looting their shops.
According to reports, the unrest was triggered by the controversial coronation of Nigerian Igbo leader Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as “Igwe Ndigbo” on March 24, 2026, which Eastern Cape authorities deemed disrespectful to local traditions and sovereignty.
The protests, led by members of ActionSA alongside traditional leaders and residents on Monday, were initially staged in opposition to what organisers described as a violation of the province’s sovereignty, constitutional order, and recognised traditional leadership structures.
However, tensions escalated rapidly in KuGompo City, where the demonstrations turned violent, forcing police to intervene and disperse crowds. Video evidence shared on X showed protesters setting fire to several vehicles and buildings allegedly belonging to foreigners, while security forces intensified efforts to restore order.
There was a stabbing incident allegedly involving Ethiopian shop owners with no fewer than two people being rushed to the hospital for treatment. The rampaging South Africans issued stark warnings, vowing to escalate resistance if authorities fail to address their concerns.
Weighing in on the casus belli, the Nigerian Citizens Association South Africa (NICASA) has clarified that the title of ‘Igwe Ndigbo’ conferred on Eziko was not to undermine the traditional institutions.
The association pointed out that the installation was not intended to disrespect the governance structure or undermine the sovereignty and constitutional order of the Republic of South Africa.
In a statement issued by its president, Frank Onyekwelu, NICASA explained that the institution of Igwe Ndigbo is a cultural and traditional expression of the Igbo people in the diaspora, which doesn’t amount to an establishment of a kingdom.
The statement read further, “Its purpose is strictly to promote unity, preserve cultural identity, and provide social cohesion within the community.
“It does not possess, nor does it seek to exercise, any political or governmental authority within South Africa.
“We can confirm that there was neither a coronation nor any kingdom established; however, a title installation was observed for the single purpose of fostering peace and unity within the cultural heritage of the Igbo people and preserving Igbo culture in diaspora.”
Meanwhile, ActionSA’s Eastern Cape chair, Athol Trollip, reaffirmed the party’s opposition to the coronation in East London, describing it as unlawful and inconsistent with South Africa’s traditional leadership framework.
He said, “With the traditional leadership of the Eastern Cape, all the traditional leaders, and the people of the province, let me state clearly that ActionSA’s policy on illegal immigration is very clear. If you are in this country illegally and commit any offence, you will be sent back home.
“This is a sovereign nation. It is our nation, and we are protected by a constitution. Nowhere in our constitution is there a provision for a Nigerian from the Igbo tribe to be crowned as a king in the Eastern Cape.
“Beyond that, the utterances made at the coronation are what concern us as a party. They claimed to have established a kingship,” he said, insisting that due process must be followed in matters of cultural and traditional governance.
