I Am Not A King, South African-based Igbo Leader Apologises
An Igbo leader in South Africa, Solomon Ezekiel, has apologised and renounced claims of kingship following controversy over his reported coronation, insisting that he was never crowned as a traditional ruler.
While expressing how deeply sorry he was for the misunderstanding his coronation caused and the violence which led to the destruction of properties that followed, Ezekiel appealed to South African traditional authorities and the natives to find a place in their hearts to forgive him.
He said, “Good day, South Africans, traditional leaders, my name is Chief Solomon Obona Ezekiel. I would like to sincerely apologise to Kunkane, Jobgolo, Sandile, the amakakagwe of Osa kingdom, the traditional leaders of South Africans, the people of Gompu and all South Africans. I am sorry for the confusion and concern caused by the event that took place on 14th March, 2026, in East London.
“I want to make it clear I was not crowned as a King, I am not a king, I do not claim to be a king. What happened on that day was only my appointment as a senior elder in the Igbo community in Eastern Cape. It does not give me any authority as a king or traditional leader.
“I respect His Majesty Kunkane Jobgolo Sandile, and I recognise his authority. I also respect all traditional leaders and the laws of South Africa. It was never my intention to disrespect the people, the leadership or the country of South Africa. I take full responsibility for the misunderstanding, and I am truly sorry”.
He stated that he recognises the efforts being put in to make amends, and he fully supports it.
“I support all efforts to restore peace, understanding and unity. I humbly ask for forgiveness from Everyone affected.”
The apology comes amid growing backlash over the controversial installation, which had sparked tensions and protests in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.
The Federal Government had on Thursday condemned the coronation and activities of Eze Ndigbo in foreign countries, describing it as an embarrassment.
In a press statement signed by the Special Assistant on Communication and New Media, Magnus Eze, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who spoke at a meeting of Imeobi, the highest decision-making body of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in Enugu, said the trend had become “a big embarrassment to government, Ndigbo, Nigerians and other foreigners in those countries where they have Eze Ndigbo.”
She noted that while Igbo associations in the diaspora often organise cultural activities to promote their heritage, the practice of installing traditional rulers abroad had repeatedly caused friction both within Igbo communities and with host nations.
According to her, “people could still express themselves culturally without causing nuisance to indigenes of host country and others.”
The controversy in South Africa escalated after the March 14, 2026, event in East London, where Ezekiel was reportedly crowned as “Eze Ndigbo na East London,” triggering outrage among local residents, traditional leaders, and political groups.
Protests that began on March 30 later turned violent, with reports of looting, destruction of at least 13 vehicles, and a stabbing incident, prompting police intervention using stun grenades and tear gas.
Authorities in South Africa, including the Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, condemned the coronation as a “flagrant violation” of customary protocols, while the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs declared it illegal.
Nigeria’s diplomatic missions in South Africa also distanced themselves from the development, describing it as a cultural event that was misinterpreted and not a recognised traditional institution.
The Nigerian Embassy in Pretoria subsequently apologised for the incident and urged Nigerians in the country to maintain calm and avoid further confrontation.
Meanwhile, the National Executive Committee of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, in collaboration with the South East Council of Traditional Rulers, has abolished the conferment of Eze Ndigbo titles outside Igboland.
President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Senator Azuta Mbata, stated, “Anybody who is being awarded that type of title anywhere outside of Igbo land is on his own. It’s unknown to the Igbo people, and we will call upon all state governors, we’ll correspond to all embassies in the world, informing them about the position of Ndigbo.
“The position of Eze Ndigbo anywhere outside Igbo land is hereby alienated and proscribed. That is the position of Ohanaeze Ndigbo worldwide.
“We will determine in consultation with the kings of Igbo land what the punishment will be for anybody who goes against this position, and that punishment will be implemented at the village level. Your hometown, your town union will be under injunction to implement that punishment, but we are going to declare that punishment after due consultation,” he said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was actively engaging diplomatic channels to address the situation and prevent further tensions involving Nigerians abroad.
