Igwe Ndigbo: Nigerian ‘king’ crowned in South Africa sparks row
South African authorities say such approval has not been given for the controversial Igwe coronation.
A Nigerian man was crowned “king” in South Africa, sparking a row.
Videos circulating online appear to show Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko receiving the title “Igwe Ndigbo Na East London”, which literally means the Igbo traditional ruler of East London, a city in South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province.
The purported coronation ceremony took place on 14 March 2026, according to local media.
Unrecognised title
The response from authorities was immediate, and the controversy is getting more intense. Eastern Cape Member of the Executive Council for Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Zolile Williams, described the development as shocking.
He warned that any attempt to “defy and undermine” South Africa’s sovereignty would be met with “the full might of the rule of law".
“Igwe” is a recognised royal title in Igbo communities in Nigeria, referring to a king or traditional ruler serving as the custodian of culture, traditions, and values of the Igbo people. The term is also often used to show respect and is equivalent to "Your Highness" or "Your Majesty".
However, it is not recognised in the South African system. Like in most African countries, establishing any traditional leadership in South Africa requires recognised lineage, endorsement by existing traditional structures, and formal government approval.
South African authorities say such approval has not been given for the controversial Igwe coronation.
The “Igwe” coronation took place in an area under the amaRharhabe Kingdom, led by King Jonguxolo Vululwandle Sandile.
The Kingdom has rejected the development, stating that no such kingship exists within its recognised structures.
The Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders also described the event as “a serious disregard for established customary systems and poses a direct challenge to legally recognised traditional institutions.”
Nigerian authorities informed
On his part, South Africa’s Deputy Minister for Cooperative Governance, Prince Zolile Burns Ncamashe, condemned the reported coronation as “deeply disrespectful”, saying Nigeria’s High Commission in Pretoria had been engaged on the matter for an amicable resolution.
South Africa’s Newzroom Afrika quoted Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner, Alexander AJ Oditah, as saying the purported crowned Igwe “is not a king and he is not recognised anywhere in Nigeria.”
The “Igwe”, Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko, and the organisers of the coronation have not yet commented on the backlash and their mission.
Tens of thousands of Nigerians live in South Africa, many of them businesspeople from the Igbo ethnic group, forming a community. The latest controversy has once again brought Nigerians in South Africa to the spotlight.