Embassy Rejects Destabilisation Claims, Urges Nigerians in SA to Respect Local Laws

The Nigerian Embassy in South Africa has firmly denied any involvement in destabilising the country, following violent protests sparked by the reported coronation of a Nigerian national as “Igbo King” in the Eastern Cape.

In an interaction with newsmen, an embassy spokesperson representing Ambassador Temitope Ajayi insisted that Nigeria has “no interest in destabilising” South Africa and urged calm while emphasising respect for South African laws and diplomatic protocols.

During the interaction, the spokesperson was interrupted by South Africans present, who murmured when he mentioned Nigeria’s efforts during apartheid rule.

The remarks come after a protest march in KuGompo (formerly East London) on Monday turned violent. Demonstrators, including traditional leaders, members of ActionSA and the African Transformation Movement (ATM), and other civil society groups, opposed what they called the unlawful installation of Nigerian national Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as “Igwe Ndigbo Na East London”.

A video of the ceremony, which circulated on social media earlier in March, showed Eziko being crowned in a traditional-style event organised within the local Nigerian/Igbo diaspora community. Critics argued that the event undermined South Africa’s sovereignty and traditional leadership structures, particularly those of the amaRharhabe kingdom and local Xhosa authorities. No official recognition was granted by South African traditional bodies or government.

What began as a peaceful demonstration quickly escalated. Reports indicate at least 12 vehicles were damaged or torched, several buildings and shops – many allegedly owned by foreign nationals – were looted or set on fire, and there were incidents of stoning and a reported stabbing. No deaths were confirmed, but police had to intervene to disperse the crowds.

Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane strongly condemned the violence, calling for calm and respect for the rule of law while acknowledging the underlying grievances. National government officials, including those from the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, also rejected the coronation as inconsistent with South African traditional leadership protocols.

The AmaXhosa Royal Family vowed to protect local sovereignty and ATM leader Vuyo Zungula described the event as an “affront to South Africa’s sovereignty”, while ActionSA’s Eastern Cape chair Athol Trollip said it had no place under South African law.

The Nigerian High Commission issued advisories urging its citizens to maintain a low profile and avoid situations that could escalate tensions. Embassy officials clarified that the event was a cultural recognition within the Igbo diaspora community, not an official coronation endorsed by the Nigerian government, and that no parallel sovereignty was being claimed.

In the embassy statement, the spokesperson pushed back against accusations of deliberate destabilisation and called for bilateral relations to remain strong. Nigerian community associations in South Africa said they were engaging with local authorities to help de-escalate the situation.

The incident has highlighted deeper tensions in parts of South Africa over immigration, competition for resources, and the role of traditional leadership. Traditional leaders in the Eastern Cape have repeatedly expressed concerns about foreign nationals “taking over” community spaces.

South Africa’s constitutional framework strictly regulates traditional leadership and recognises only established indigenous authorities. Foreign nationals have no formal pathway to install parallel kings or queens on South African soil.

Police have launched investigations into the violence, and authorities have appealed for restraint from all sides. Diplomatic channels between Pretoria and Abuja remain active to prevent further strain on historically strong relations.