The Nigerian High Commission has issued a 10-point advisory to Nigerians in the South Africa amid rising tensions over the alleged installation of an Igbo traditional ruler.

 

Violence erupted yesterday, March 30, in KuGompo City, Eastern Cape, South Africa, following the purported coronation of a Nigerian national as king.

 

Protesters have torched vehicles and buildings allegedly belonging to foreign nationals in protest against the installation of a Nigerian king.

 

According to Monday’s report from an online media outlet, Newzroom Africa: “There is escalating violence in KuGompo City, Eastern Cape, where protesters torched foreign-owned vehicles and buildings in response to the controversial coronation of an Igbo traditional leader as local king, organized by the Nigerian community.”

 

Reports indicate that the unrest ignited after alleged attacks by foreign nationals on demonstrators, including stabbings and a vehicle ramming.

 

The unrest was reportedly triggered by the controversial installation of Nigerian Igbo leader Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as “Igwe Ndigbo” on March 24, 2026, which Eastern Cape authorities deemed disrespectful to local traditions and sovereignty.

 

ActionSA Eastern Cape, leader Athol Trollip, condemened the coronation, saying that there was no constitutional provision for any foreigner, legal or illegal, to coronate themselves in the Eastern Cape.

 

“We do not support that. We support the existing local kings in the Eastern Cape, of which we have five, and no Nigerian kings,” he said.

 

Patriotic Alliance, spokesperson, Steve Motale, said: “We condemn that fake coronation. We are happy that even the Nigeria High Commissioner in SA has also condemned it.”

 

Police spokesperson, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, confirmed that police had responded to the scene, saying: “The protest began as a planned peaceful demonstration by various traditional leaders over the alleged coronation of an Igbo king.

 

“Violence broke out when some participants moved away from the city hall, where a petition was being handed over. Twelve vehicles have been damaged, and several buildings have been torched.

 

“Emergency services, including the fire department, remain on the scene, along with the Public Order Policing Unit.

 

“This is an active scene, and updates information will be shared in due course.”

 

 

In a circular issued on Monday, March 30, titled “Advisory to All Nigerians Living in the Republic of South Africa,” the high commission urged Nigerians to prioritise safety and exercise caution amid what it described as “palpable tension” in the country.

 

The high commission urged Nigerians to be security-conscious at all times, moderate their movement, and limit interaction with unfamiliar persons.

 

It also advised citizens to maintain a low profile, remain law-abiding, and respect local laws and customs.

 

As part of precautionary measures, the high commission directed Nigerians to “suspend all socio-cultural activities and avoid making inflammatory statements capable of escalating tensions, particularly on social and mainstream media”.

 

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