Nigerian national apologises following controversial ‘Kugompo King’ coronation

A Nigerian man who caused public outrage after a coronation ceremony as the Kugompo king has apologised.

Last month, Solomon Eziko made headlines after a video of his crowning went viral on social media.

This led to various protests that ended in chaos with cars being damaged and a building being partially burnt in the Eastern Cape.

READ MORE:

KuGompo City residents rally to protest coronation of 'Nigerian king'

Violence erupts in KuGompo as protesters clash over Nigerian ‘Igbo King’ coronation

Protest of 'Nigerian king' coronation at doorstop of nation’s embassy in Pretoria

Earlier this month, the Nigerian embassy issued an apology for the actions of Solomon Eziko, saying they would like to maintain relations with South Africa and cannot allow this incident to jeopardise that.

This weekend, Eziko also gave his own apology, saying he did not claim to be a king and that the ceremony was merely him being recognised as a senior in his community.

He added that he respects South African laws and that he would not disobey them or their traditional rules.

Eziko said that he recognises the role of traditional leadership and asked for forgiveness.