Reported coronation of Nigerian king in KuGompo City deemed ‘deeply disrespectful’

The claims stem from videos and images shared online, in which members of the Nigerian community say they have crowned Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as theIgwe Ndigbo Na East London —the Igbo king of East London. However, no formal recognition of such acoronationhas been verified by authorities. Igwe is an Igbo term that means sky, heaven, or sky deity, commonly used as a royal title for traditional rulers in Nigeria as a formal title for monarchs.

Despite the lack of confirmation, traditional leaders, government officials and political organisations have strongly criticised what they describe as an alleged attempt to establish a parallel traditional authority. The AmaRharhabe Kingdom, the Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, Contralesa, Rolesa, premier Oscar Mabuyane and co-operative governance and traditional affairs leaders are among those who have spoken out. Several leaders stressed that any such act — if proven — would be unlawful and contrary to SA’s constitutional and customary frameworks governing traditional leadership.

At the same time, they cautioned against reactions that could inflame xenophobic tensions. The AmaRharhabe Kingdom, whose jurisdiction includes Buffalo City Metro, distanced itself from the reported event and rejected any suggestion of recognition. Nkosi Siseko Maqoma and Prince Banzi Tyali, speaking on behalf of King Jonguxolo Sandile, said: “A Nigerian individual claiming to be a king has no authority or recognition within our kingdom.” Tyali said the reports, if accurate, would amount to “an attempt not only to undermine the AmaRharhabe Kingdom’s authority, but also South African law and traditional leadership”. The kingdom has called for investigations by the provincial and national government, as well as engagement with the Nigerian embassy.