The High Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in South Africa has dismissed reports that members of the Igbo community crowned a king or established a kingdom in East London, describing the claims circulating in media and social networks as false and misleading.
In a statement dated March 26, the mission said no coronation took place, and none was intended.
It noted that the development had caused concerns among South African authorities, traditional leaders, and members of the public, particularly given the country’s established legal and cultural frameworks governing traditional leadership.
The High Commission emphasized that the gathering was purely cultural, aimed at promoting identity and celebrating Igbo heritage among Nigerians living in the diaspora.
“The event had no territorial ambition, political authority, or intention to undermine the laws and traditional institutions of South Africa,” the mission said, adding that Nigeria holds the sovereignty, customs, and traditions of the host country in the highest regard.
The mission explained that cultural events in Nigeria, such as title-taking ceremonies, masquerade festivals, and New Yam celebrations, are central to communal life and serve to honor achievements, preserve traditions, and foster social cohesion.
These events, it said, are symbolic expressions of heritage and do not confer political power or establish sovereignty abroad.
The High Commission also expressed regret over any misunderstanding or offence the event might have caused and appealed to the public for calm and restraint. It reiterated that Nigeria remains committed to respecting South African laws, traditional institutions, and the long-standing bilateral relations between both countries.
Earlier, Ohaneze Ndigbo South Africa had issued a detailed disclaimer rejecting claims that a kingdom had been established or a king crowned in East London.
In its March 19 statement, Ohaneze Ndigbo South Africa explained that the gathering on March 14 was for the inauguration of a community leader, honourarily addressed as “Igwe.” The title, it said, is used in the diaspora context to designate a cultural leader whose role is to unite the Igbo community, promote culture, mentor youths, and foster harmonious relations with host communities.
The organisation stressed that it has consistently respected South African traditional institutions and kingships. It cited past cultural exchanges with South African monarchs, including the late King Mpendulo Zwelonke Sigcawu of AmaXhosa, King Bhungane III of the Embo Kingdom and AmaHlubi, and the late King Goodwill Zwelithini of the AmaZulu, as demonstrations of loyalty and respect for local authority.
Ohaneze Ndigbo South Africa described the recent reports as deliberate misinformation being amplified for commercial, social, and political purposes.
“We did not crown a king nor establish a kingdom. We created a cultural forum solely for the Igbo community in East London to foster unity, preserve our heritage, and integrate harmoniously with host communities,” it said.
Both the Nigerian High Commission and Ohaneze Ndigbo South Africa reaffirmed their commitment to social cohesion, cultural exchange, and peaceful coexistence.
They urged the public to disregard misleading reports and to recognize the symbolic and community-focused nature of the Igbo cultural activities in South Africa.
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