East London protest turns violent over Nigerian king coronation in South Africa

East London’s protest goes violent

Violence erupts in East London after a protest against the coronation of a Nigerian traditional leader spiralled out of control, leaving vehicles burnt, properties damaged, and residents shaken.

The unrest was triggered by the controversial crowning of Solomon Ogbonna Ezike as “Igwe Ndigbo,” a move that has drawn fierce backlash across the Eastern Cape.

Critics argue that South Africa’s traditional leadership system does not recognise the installation of a foreign king on its soil.

What began as a peaceful march through parts of the city quickly escalated after protesters handed over a memorandum to government officials at City Hall.

Shortly after, chaos broke out as groups turned on properties believed to belong to foreign nationals, setting multiple vehicles, including trucks, panel vans and bakkies on fire.

Firefighters rushed to the scene as thick smoke filled the air, while some individuals attempted, unsuccessfully, to contain the flames.

Police were forced to intervene, firing stun grenades to disperse the increasingly aggressive crowd.

Reports from the ground also indicated that one person was stabbed during the unrest, underscoring the severity of the situation as tensions boiled over.

The protest was supported by several civic groups and political parties, including ActionSA, which has openly opposed the coronation.

Speaking on the matter, the party’s spokesperson Matthew George said, “South Africa is a sovereign country and ActionSA will not stand by while a group of foreigners arrogates to itself the authority to install and coronate a king on South African soil.”

He added that the move undermines recognised traditional structures, particularly those linked to the AmaRharhabe Kingdom.

Traditional leaders have also condemned the development.

The Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders described the coronation as unlawful and warned that it threatens established systems of authority.

Acting chief executive Pamella Ndudane said, “This development constitutes a flagrant violation of established customary protocols, a direct affront to the institution of traditional leadership, and a troubling disregard for the constitutional and legislative framework governing traditional authorities in the Republic of South Africa.”

As the situation unfolded, the name KuGompo, now officially used for East London surfaced frequently in reports, reflecting the city’s indigenous identity, though many still refer to it by its more widely known name.