KuGompo – A protest in KuGompo (formerly East London) against the coronation of an alleged “Igbo Nigerian king” turned violent on Monday.
According to reports, demonstrators, including civil society groups, political parties and traditional leaders, initially marched peacefully but unrest broke out when some began throwing stones and setting vehicles alight.
Police responded with rubber bullets and stun grenades.
[WATCH] Protesters have torched vehicles and buildings allegedly belonging to foreign nationals in protest against the installation of a Nigerian king in the Eastern Cape. @Sipha_KemaSA reports pic.twitter.com/g5lH1nNKu3
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 30, 2026
The protest was sparked by the coronation of Igbo chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko, which has drawn widespread backlash.
Political parties such as ActionSA joined the demonstrations, arguing the move undermines South Africa’s sovereignty and recognised traditional leadership.
WATCH | ActionSA’s Eastern Cape chair Athol Trollip has declared that the party stands firmly with traditional leaders in opposing the installation of a Nigerian Igbo king in East London, calling it unlawful and a violation of South Africa’s traditional leadership framework. pic.twitter.com/47MIlBWzKv
— SABC News (@SABCNews) March 30, 2026
Traditional leaders, including representatives of the amaRhadebe Kingdom under King Vululwandle Sandile, also condemned the coronation, describing it as unlawful and offensive.
WATCH: Ngizwe Mchunu and Phakhelumthakathi leading the march with leaders in East London, this comes after the Nigerian foreigner started a coup installing himself as a king in East London. pic.twitter.com/kmwCAjMWH0
— PSAFLIVE (@PSAFLIVE) March 30, 2026
“I’m pissed off that Nigerians could come here and claim to have a king here.” Prince Xhanti Sigcawu from the Amathole House of Traditional Leaders says the government must deport the people who participated in the coronation of a so-called Nigerian king in the Eastern Cape for… pic.twitter.com/gqihTphV6e
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) March 30, 2026
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
