Tension has erupted in parts of South Africa following protests over the controversial coronation of a self-proclaimed Nigerian traditional ruler, Solomon Ezika.
The demonstration, which took place in East London in the Eastern Cape Province, reportedly began as a peaceful march but later turned violent, with several vehicles set ablaze by protesters.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that more than 10 vehicles were torched during the unrest, while unconfirmed reports suggested that a protester may have been stabbed, further escalating tensions in the area.
Security operatives were deployed to restore order, with police firing rubber bullets to disperse the crowd as the situation deteriorated.
The protest is linked to outrage over the alleged installation of Ezika as a traditional ruler of the Igbo community in the region, a move that has drawn criticism from local political groups and traditional leaders who argue that it violates South Africa’s established system of chieftaincy and traditional authority.
Authorities in South Africa have distanced themselves from the development, stressing that the coronation lacks official recognition and did not follow due legal or cultural processes.
Similarly, Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in South Africa has disassociated itself from Ezika, describing the incident as misleading and not representative of the Nigerian government or its citizens.
Amid rising tensions, the Nigerian High Commission has issued a security advisory urging Nigerians living in South Africa to remain cautious, maintain a low profile, and strictly adhere to local laws to avoid being caught up in potential violence.
The incident has reignited concerns over xenophobic sentiments and the fragile relationship between foreign nationals and local communities in parts of South Africa
Video from Channels tv attached below:
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