Nigerian High Commission seeks dialogue with Eastern Cape leaders following coronation unrest

The Nigerian High Commissioner has written to traditional leaders in the Eastern Cape, requesting an urgent meeting to resolve growing concerns surrounding the recent coronation of a Nigerian king in the province.

The request follows a wave of unrest in Kugompo City, where protests against the coronation turned violent on Monday. The event has sparked significant friction between local communities and Nigerian residents, prompting diplomatic intervention.

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In a show of coordinated opposition, several anti-migrant organisations, including Abahame, Operation Dudula, and the Progressive Forces of South Africa, marched to the Nigerian Embassy in Pretoria on Tuesday. The groups handed over a formal memorandum of demands to embassy officials.

The protesters are demanding a full and transparent account of the coronation, specifically seeking clarity on:

The primary purpose of the ceremony.

The identities of the event organisers.

A comprehensive list of participants.

Beyond the event itself, the groups have raised questions regarding the legal status of Solomon Eziko. They are further calling for a public commitment from Nigerian nationals to respect South African laws and traditional systems.

The memorandum was accepted by the Nigerian Acting Deputy High Commissioner, Olajide Ogunmadeji, who emphasised the importance of maintaining bilateral ties.

"We are friends and will continue to be friends. As an embassy, we are ready to support the government, traditional leaders, and institutions to ensure that the peace we are enjoying is maintained and that bilateral cooperation continues."

Ogunmadeji assured the demonstrators that the embassy does not condone illegality, stating firmly that any Nigerian resident found breaking the law in South Africa will be dealt with according to the legal framework of the country.