Tensions have risen in South Africa’s Eastern Cape following the controversial coronation of an Igbo traditional ruler, as protesters took to the streets demanding the deportation of Nigerians involved and warning of possible violence if authorities fail to act.
According to Sahara Reporters, the protest was led by members of ActionSA, alongside local traditional leaders and community members, who condemned the event as a threat to the province’s sovereignty and established leadership.
Speaking to SABC News during the demonstration, one protester said, “First of all, we are here in solidarity with the traditional leadership of the Eastern Cape, all of the traditional leaders, and also the people of the Eastern Cape. Let me just put up front that ActionSA’s policy about illegal immigration is very clear. If you are in this country illegally, and you do anything illegal, you are going to be sent back home.”
The protester added, “There is nowhere in our constitution that makes provision for a Nigerian from the Igbo tribe to come and become coronated as a king of the Eastern Cape.” He further accused coronation organisers of trying to set up a parallel authority, saying, “The utterances were that they are establishing a kingship in the Eastern Cape and a homeland. We have a history of homelands in this province… and we are not going to tolerate the establishment of another homeland.”
The protester rejected claims by the Nigerian embassy that the coronation was purely symbolic. “We have taken great exception to the disrespect and the provocation of this coronation, and we want the Nigerian government to come out strongly against it,” he said, urging the South African government to “make an unambiguous statement about their respect and recognition of our existing traditional leaders.”
Prince Xhanti Sigcawu from the Amathole House of Traditional Leaders also condemned the event, calling it a violation of South Africa’s laws. “No one can come from wherever that person comes from and come here and undermine the authority of this country, especially this kingdom,” he said, adding, “We are really appealing to our government to see to it that whoever participated in this illegal coronation… is removed from the borders of this country with immediate effect.”
Sigcawu warned that failure to act could trigger unrest. “We want to avoid turmoil because we will really take up arms if this is not immediately attended to,” he said, while linking the issue to concerns over undocumented migrants and alleged criminal activities.
As of now, neither South African authorities nor the Nigerian government have officially responded to the protesters’ demands.
