PRETORIA – Cabinet has expressed "disgust" and said the coronation of an Igbo king in the Eastern Cape was a mere “kindergarten gimmick".
Briefing the media in Pretoria on the outcomes of last week's Cabinet meeting, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni said Cabinet strongly criticised the act.
Outrage erupted across the country after videos and photos went viral on social media showing Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko being crowned “Igwe Ndigbo” of KuGompo City.
READ | Vehicles damaged in KuGumpo City 'Nigerian king' protest
“Our heritage and customs must be respected by all, in particular our visitors,” Ntshaveni said.
“The alleged coronation of a Nigerian national in KuGompo City as a chief is a mere kindergarten gimmick and has no legal effect. Cabinet confirmed that the establishment, recognition and functioning of any traditional leadership structure are strictly governed by the Traditional and Khoi San Leadership Act, which provides clear and non-negotiable procedures for legitimacy and recognition.”
Ntshaveni said while Cabinet noted the apology from the Nigerian High Commission, it has directed the Department of International Relations and Cooperation to engage with the High Commission on the unacceptable conduct of Nigerians in the country that is unbecoming of visitors.
“We must remind them that they are visitors in this country,” Ntshaveni said in the strongly worded statement.
READ | Eastern Cape march against Nigerian 'king' turns violent
She said it was deeply concerning that legitimate grievances over the matter had resulted in acts of violence.
“Cabinet reminds South Africans that the right to protest comes with responsibility. It must be exercised peacefully and within the confines of the law.”
This week, anti-illegal migration organisation March and March and other parties have brought traffic to a grinding halt in KuGompo City, protesting the coronation. The situation escalated to violence when the protesters, some of whom had travelled from KwaZulu-Natal, forced the closure of local businesses in the CBD and torched vehicles.