March and March held a protest in Durban last week. On Monday they are holding a protest in East London over the alleged coronation of a Nigerian 'king'.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo / Independent Newspapers
A brewing diplomatic and social storm has hit the Eastern Cape following reports of the alleged coronation of a Nigerian "Igbo king" in East London.
The move has sparked a fierce backlash from local civic organisations and anti-immigrant movements, who have labelled the event a "humiliation" to South African sovereignty.
The Independent South African National Civic Organisation (ISANCO) and the "March & March" movement are holding a protest in East London (eMonti) to demand an investigation into the ceremony.
However, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohaneze Ndigbo South Africa (ONSA) denied that any coronation took place.
In a scathing press statement issued by ISANCO president Dr Zukile Luyenge, the organisation expressed shock at what it termed a "bogus coronation."
"It is shocking and disrespectful for Nigerian citizens to come to South Africa... and conduct a bogus coronation of a so-called Igbo king," Luyenge stated. "No wonder they call our country a Banana Republic, where every foreign citizen has too much liberty to do as he or she wishes."
Luyenge further criticised the "deafening silence" of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and specifically took aim at the Minister of Sports, Arts, and Culture, accusing the leadership of prioritising "politics of the stomach" over the protection of indigenous systems.
The protest has gained significant momentum with the backing of Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, leader of the March & March movement. Speaking during a recent protest against illegal immigration in Durban, Ngobese-Zuma issued a stern warning to the Nigerian community.
"They seem to have this sense of entitlement... We didn’t fight for this country for them to come here and think that they can get away with mistreating its people."
In an official disclaimer, ONSA clarified that the event held on March 14 was the inauguration of a community leader, or Igwe, intended to foster unity and cultural cohesion, not to establish a kingdom.
"In this context, [Igwe] does not imply the creation of a monarchy or any claim to sovereign territory," the statement read.
ONSA maintained that the "king" narrative was being "misconstrued intentionally" and "politicised by individuals bent on creating disaffection between the Igbo community and host communities."
Despite the clarification from the Igbo leadership, ISANCO is calling for a full investigation into the event, including allegations of "brown envelopes" (bribery) being used to facilitate the ceremony."We are closely engaging with the traditional leadership to get to the root of this despicable occurrence," Luyenge added.
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