The government has dismissed the controversial “coronation” of a Nigerian national in the Eastern Cape as illegitimate, with minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni describing the incident as a “kindergarten gimmick” with no legal standing.
Speaking in Pretoria on Thursday about the outcomes of a cabinet meeting, Ntshavheni said the cabinet had expressed strong disapproval of the incident in KuGompo City, formerly known as East London.
“The cabinet expressed disgust at the so-called coronation of the Nigerian national as an alleged chief in KuGompo City in the Eastern Cape, and indicated it is a mere kindergarten gimmick and has no legal effect,” she said.
She emphasised that the recognition of traditional leadership in South Africa is governed by strict legal frameworks.
“The cabinet confirmed that the establishment, recognition and functioning of any leadership structure are strictly governed by the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, which provides clear and non-negotiable procedures for legitimacy and recognition,” said Ntshavheni.
The remarks come after the coronation of Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as “Igwe Ndigbo” of East London sparked widespread debate and tension across the country.
The embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the high commission here, does not support any irresponsibility. So please, I am on behalf of the high commissioner, on behalf of the embassy, and on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I am tendering our apology to the traditional institutions of South Africa
— Olajide Ogunmadeji, deputy to the Nigerian acting high commissioner
Amid the backlash, Nigerian embassy officials issued an apology, distancing themselves from the incident.
Speaking outside the embassy in Pretoria, deputy to the acting high commissioner Olajide Ogunmadeji maintained that what took place in KuGompo was not an official coronation.
“Nigeria is a friend of South Africa. We are interested in the progress of South Africa. But [in terms of] what happened recently, Nigeria does not support irresponsibility,” he said.
“The embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the high commission here, does not support any irresponsibility. So please, I am on behalf of the high commissioner, on behalf of the embassy, and on behalf of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I am tendering our apology to the traditional institutions of South Africa,” he said.
Ntshavheni confirmed that cabinet had noted the apology and instructed the department of international relations and co-operation (Dirco) to continue engaging with the Nigerian High Commission.
The controversy has already had consequences, with more than 10 vehicles torched during protests in KuGompo as demonstrations led by various groups including March and March, alongside traditional leaders, opposed the coronation.
What began as a peaceful protest turned violent, with property vandalised and police forced to disperse crowds using rubber bullets.
“It is deeply concerning that legitimate grievances over this matter have resulted in acts of violence and criminality. Cabinet reminds South Africans that the right to protest comes with responsibility and must be exercised peacefully and within the confines of the law,” said Ntshavheni.
The cabinet has no view about Nigerians when they are in the country legally; they are welcome. When they conduct themselves in a manner that is unbecoming, we will take it up either through law enforcement or through diplomatic channels
— Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, minister in the Presidency
Responding to criticism that government action came too late, Ntshavheni insisted authorities had been dealing with the matter from the outset.
“The condemnation started immediately when intelligence structures picked up the story. Dirco started to interact with the Nigerian high commissioner. They provided their explanation,” she said.
She said the deputy minister of Dirco, Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, had been on the ground in the Eastern Cape engaging with stakeholders even before the protest, and had also helped debunk claims that the AbaThembu royal family had endorsed the coronation.
‘No view about Nigerians’
Ntshavheni stressed that while the government would act against wrongdoing, it would not tolerate blanket generalisations against Nigerians living in South Africa.
“The cabinet has no view about Nigerians when they are in the country legally; they are welcome. When they conduct themselves in a manner that is unbecoming, we will take it up either through law enforcement or through diplomatic channels,” she said.
She described relations between South Africa and Nigeria as “solid” and “fraternal”, expressing confidence that the Nigerian government would not allow its citizens to undermine South African authority.
“The behaviour of a few should not lead to the generalisation of the conduct of many. There are many Nigerians contributing meaningfully to the economy of this country, as much as there are others contributing to the ‘distruction’ of this country. That is the act that law enforcement must follow up with and deal with decisively,” she said.
Several political parties have called for those involved in the unrest and the controversial coronation to be held accountable and arrested.
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