Protests turned violent in Kugompo City, South Africa, following the coronation of Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as “Igwe Ndigbo Na East London”, with 12 cars damaged, several buildings torched, and injuries reported. The coronation, deemed “unlawful” and “disrespectful” to South Africa’s traditional leadership, sparked outrage among locals and political parties.

The Igbo community clarified the event was a cultural inauguration, not a monarchy establishment. However, civic groups and traditional leaders demanded an investigation, citing concerns over sovereignty and xenophobia. The Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs rejected the coronation, stating it lacked community consent and official recognition.

The protest, led by March and March, turned violent after a marcher was allegedly stabbed by foreign nationals. Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the crowd. The incident has raised tensions between South Africa and Nigeria, with calls for government intervention and investigation.