The South Africa government has strongly condemned reports that a Nigerian traditional ruler was crowned in East London, saying such an act falls outside the country’s legal and cultural framework.
Addressing the controversy, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said the Cabinet views the development as unacceptable. She stressed that the creation or recognition of any traditional leadership structure must strictly comply with South African law.
According to her, the process is governed by legislation that clearly outlines how traditional authorities can be established and recognised, leaving no room for informal or unauthorised installations.
The backlash followed reports that members of the Nigerian community had crowned an “Igwe Ndigbo” — a traditional leader representing the Igbo people — in the city. The alleged coronation sparked criticism from some South African groups and traditional leaders who argued that such actions challenge the country’s established cultural and legal systems.
Ntshavheni said the government has acknowledged an apology from the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa and will continue discussions with the mission over the incident. She also reminded foreign nationals to respect the laws and traditions of their host country.
“We must remind them that they are visitors here,” she said, adding that while citizens have the right to protest, it should be done responsibly and without violence.
Tensions surrounding the issue escalated when protesters, including members of the political group ActionSA, took to the streets demanding that Nigerians allegedly linked to the event be deported. Demonstrations later turned violent, with vehicles set ablaze and shops owned by foreign nationals looted before police moved in to restore order in parts of the city.
In response, the Nigerian High Commission issued a statement denying that any official coronation of an “Igwe Ndigbo” had taken place. The mission described the claims as misleading and warned that such reports could worsen tensions between the two countries.
The commission emphasised that Nigeria respects South Africa’s sovereignty, laws and cultural traditions, adding that the longstanding relationship between the two nations is built on mutual respect and cooperation.
It also explained that many Igbo cultural events involve symbolic titles and community gatherings that are sometimes misunderstood as political or territorial authority, stressing that such titles carry cultural significance rather than formal governance powers outside Nigeria.
Authorities in South Africa have urged calm while continuing engagements with Nigerian diplomats to defuse tensions sparked by the controversy.
