Violence has erupted in South Africa’s Eastern Cape as locals protested the installation of a Nigerian national as a ‘Nigerian King’ who was crowned the ‘Igwe Ndigbo Na East London.
Protesters have torched vehicles and buildings allegedly belonging to foreign nationals in protest against the installation of the ‘Nigerian King’ in the Eastern Cape.
A video went viral earlier this month showing the coronation ceremony of the ‘Igwe Ndigbo Na East London.
The Aba Thembu Royal Council has labelled the coronation of a ‘Nigerian king’ in the Eastern Cape as an act of terror and announced plans to write to the Nigerian Consulate in South Africa on the matter.
According to SABC News, the Royal House of AbaThembu denied reports that King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo welcomed and granted royalty to the Nigerian national.
The Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Velenkosini Hlabisa, also slammed the coronation of a Nigerian king in South Africa.
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Calls have been made for call for calm as vehicles and other properties were damaged by demonstrators, who sought for the immediate deportation of the self-appointed Nigerian Igbo king in the Eastern Cape.
According to Newzroom Afrika, a South African news media, a man, whose car was damaged by protesters marching against the purported coronation, says he’s struggling and doesn’t even have insurance to cover the damage.
IOL. News reported that the Police spokeswoman, Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana, confirmed the protest and had responded to the scene
“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,” she said.
