The demonstration, organised by groups including March and March, began peacefully at City Hall where protesters handed over a petition opposing the recent coronation of Nigerian national Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as “Igwe Ndigbo Na East London”.

Many local traditional leaders view the installation of a foreign king as an affront to South African customary law and sovereignty.

According to an official update from the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security X account, violence broke out after some marchers moved away from the handover point.

Damage was concentrated in the North End area, affecting Albany, Buffalo and Oxford Streets. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and no injuries have been reported. No arrests have been made so far.

Public Order Policing units remain on the scene, and authorities have urged residents to avoid the affected streets and exercise caution.

The incident is the latest flashpoint in growing local tensions over foreign-led traditional structures in South African communities. Police say the situation is being monitored and further updates will be released as the investigation continues.

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The Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders has issued a strong condemnation following reports that Solomon Ogbonna Eziko was crowned as a leader of the Igbo community, known as Igwe Ndigbo, during a weekend event in kuGompo.

The area falls under the authority of King Jonguxolo Vululwandle Sandile of the amaRharhabe Kingdom, making the move highly controversial.

Traditional leaders have described the alleged coronation as a direct challenge to recognised authority and a violation of both customary law and national legislation.

In a strongly worded statement, the House said the act shows a troubling disregard for South Africa’s constitutional framework governing traditional leadership.

“This is a flagrant violation of established customary protocols and a direct affront to the institution of traditional leadership,” the House said.

The leaders stressed that no individual or group has the authority to establish a kingship structure outside the legal framework set out in the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act.

They warned that allowing such actions to go unchecked could erode the rule of law and create divisions within communities.

The House also raised concerns about the potential consequences of the incident, saying it could trigger avoidable tensions if not urgently addressed.

“Traditional leaders have consistently stood against xenophobia and division. However, actions of this nature are irresponsible and may provoke conflict,” the statement said.

The House is now demanding an immediate public apology from all those involved and has called for the complete dissolution of what it describes as an illegitimate and self styled kingship.

Authorities are being urged to act swiftly.

The House has called on law enforcement agencies to launch an urgent investigation and ensure that those responsible are held accountable in line with South African law.

It has also urged the national government to take preventative steps, including reviewing legal and immigration compliance linked to the matter.

The controversy has sparked wider debate about cultural recognition, community leadership and the limits of authority within South Africa’s diverse society.

As pressure mounts, all eyes are now on government and law enforcement to determine how this sensitive and potentially explosive situation will be resolved.

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