Chaos in South Africa as Protest Over Igbo King Coronation Turns Deadly; Shops, Vehicles Torched
- The coronation of an Igbo leader in Eastern Cape has caused protests, which escalated into violent clashes and widespread unrest
- Protesters torched vehicles, looted shops, and clashed with police amid anger over traditional leadership disputes
- They marched through parts of the province, asked the government to act quickly, and warned that failure to respond could lead to more violence
Chaos has broken out in South Africa after the coronation of an Igbo traditional ruler caused protests in the Eastern Cape.
Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko was installed as “Eze Ndigbo," a title representing the leader of the Igbo community.
Source: Twitter
The crisis began after Chief Eziko was crowned, a move that angered some political groups, traditional leaders, and residents. They said the coronation went against the province’s laws and recognised the traditional leadership system.
On Monday, March 30, members of ActionSA and other protesters marched to show their anger. What started as a peaceful protest quickly turned violent in KuGompo City. Reports say several vehicles were set on fire, and shops believed to belong to foreign nationals were looted.
Videos shared via X showed burning cars and damaged buildings as police tried to control the situation and disperse the crowd.
The unrest became more serious after a stabbing incident said to involve Ethiopian shop owners. At least two people were taken to the hospital, while many vehicles were destroyed during the chaos.
Meanwhile, ActionSA’s Eastern Cape chair, Athol Trollip, said the party fully backs recognised traditional leaders in rejecting the installation of a Nigerian Igbo king in East London. He equally described it as illegal and against South Africa’s traditional leadership system.
Earlier in the day, protesters had marched through parts of the province asking the government to act quickly. They warned that failure to respond could lead to more violence.
Source: Twitter
South Africans protest against foreigners
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that hundreds of protesters in Durban, South Africa, clashed with police on March 25, targeting foreigners, including Nigerians, over alleged job losses and rising crime in the country.
Police used rubber bullets and teargas to disperse demonstrators, who included members of ActionSA and Operation Dudula, while some residents linked unemployment and corruption to the presence of undocumented migrants.
Businesses closed ahead of the protests amid fears of looting, and authorities warned that ongoing economic challenges could worsen tensions.
US “no kings” protesters’ 5 key demands
Previously, Legit.ng reported that millions across the United States marched under the “No Kings” banner, calling for democracy, justice, and accountability while opposing authoritarian overreach, war in Iran, and immigration crackdowns.
The nationwide protests, spanning from Minnesota to Washington, D.C., pointed to five core demands: restore democracy, end military actions in Iran, halt aggressive immigration raids, protect workers over billionaires, and safeguard voting rights.
Protests in 8 Nigerian states over assassination of Iran’s leader
Across Nigeria, members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) staged protests in at least eight states, including Lagos, Kano, Kaduna, and Bauchi. They condemned the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, by Israel and the US.
Demonstrators carried banners denouncing the joint military action, expressing solidarity with Iran, and demanding accountability, while the marches heightened tension in affected regions.
Public reaction was sharply divided: some Nigerians criticised the protests as misguided and harmful to Nigeria’s image, while others condemned perceived police inaction in managing the demonstrations.
Source: Legit.ng
