EFF calls for arrests after KuGompo ‘Igbo King’ violence

The EFF has called for the arrests of all those involved in violence that erupted during a protest in KuGompo City in the Buffalo City metro, saying those responsible must also be held liable for damages. This comes after protests on Monday against the reported coronation of Nigerian national chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as “Igwe Ndigbo Na East London” descended into chaos with shops looted and vehicles set alight. In a media statement, the EFF condemned the alleged coronation and the violence that followed.

“We additionally call for all those who instigated the violence to be arrested and held liable for damages,” the party said. “The EFF has, therefore, instructed its structures in the Buffalo City Metropolitan to monitor the situation closely and provide assistance to all South Africans whose infrastructure has been damaged as a result of actions by political parties,” it said. The party also criticised what it described as the government’s failure to clearly communicate the legal process for recognising traditional leaders.

“A responsible provincial and national government ought to have outlined the prescripts that allow one to be recognised as a royal authority in South Africa clearly and timeously to avoid the violence seen in the city,” the EFF said. The party reaffirmed that the recognition of kings and queens falls under the department of co-operative governance and traditional affairs (Cogta) and must follow legal processes. “For an individual to be recognised as a royal or traditional authority in South Africa, the minister for Cogta must make recommendations to the president.

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This recognition is then officialised via a notice in a Government Gazette,” the party said. The EFF said it therefore found the “coronation” offensive and an undermining of legislative processes. “It is therefore not only offensive, but also illegal for any individual to declare themselves a monarch outside of the legislative processes, and it is even more insulting for a foreign national to declare kingship in another country.

Kingship is not only ceremonial, but is tied to the legislative framework of South Africa, bestowing authority over people and land to an individual under the sovereignty of South Africa. It is not to be taken lightly nor should it be declared by individuals without any legal authority.” The EFF urged calm while calling on government and traditional leaders to provide clarity on the recognition of royalty.

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