Authorities in South Africa have condemned the outbreak of violence in the Eastern Cape and called for calm after protests over a controversial Nigerian royal coronation turned destructive, raising tensions between local communities and foreign nationals.
Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, denounced the unrest in KuGompo on Monday, where demonstrators torched vehicles and looted shops allegedly owned by foreign nationals.
He urged restraint and confirmed that diplomatic channels were being engaged following the incident involving Nigerian nationals.
The unrest followed protests against the reported coronation of a Nigerian with the title referring to an Igbo traditional ruler.
Videos circulating online appear to show the ceremony, which reportedly took place on 14 March 2026.
The title “Igwe,” while recognised in Igbo communities in Nigeria, is not part of South Africa’s traditional leadership system, where such recognition requires lineage, endorsement by traditional authorities, and formal government approval.
Diplomatic protocols
“We have a diplomatic relationship with the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and it’s important to follow that level of protocol and etiquette whenever there’s an incident that would’ve affected the nationals from a particular country,” Minister Burns-Ncamashe said.
He added, “So, we will be meeting with the high commissioner, who already has written a letter distancing the government of Nigeria from what has happened but also, over and above that, expressing the apology to the people of South Africa.”
Eastern Cape authorities said no approval had been granted, and the ceremony is reported to have taken place in an area under the amaRharhabe Kingdom, led by King Jonguxolo Vululwandle Sandile, which has rejected the development.
The Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders described the coronation as “a serious disregard for established customary systems and poses a direct challenge to legally recognised traditional institutions.”
Tensions escalated rapidly on Monday as protests, initially led by members of ActionSA alongside traditional leaders and residents, turned violent in KuGompo City.
Security agents deployed
Police were forced to intervene and disperse crowds, according to state broadcaster SABC News, as videos showed buildings and vehicles set ablaze.
Amathole Traditional Leaders chairperson Nkosi Xhanti Sigcawu blamed foreign nationals for provoking the unrest.
“We are really not happy with whatever that the Nigerians were doing, be it them celebrating their own culture or tradition. But for them to declare one of theirs as a king is totally unacceptable. They are the ones who have provoked our communities in South Africa, especially in the region of Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality. We are law-abiding citizens, as South Africans, especially amaXhosa, we are a peace-loving nation,” said Sigcawu.
Despite the growing tensions, the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria moved swiftly to distance itself from the incident and urge caution among its nationals.
In an advisory issued Monday evening, the mission called on Nigerians in South Africa to remain vigilant, maintain a low profile, avoid large gatherings, and limit unnecessary travel. It also warned that misinformation could further inflame tensions, stressing unity, adherence to local laws, and responsible behaviour.
South African officials have also engaged Nigerian authorities, with Nigeria’s Acting High Commissioner, Alexander AJ Oditah, quoted as saying the purported Igwe “is not a king and he is not recognised anywhere in Nigeria.”
