A wave of anxiety has gripped the Nigerian community in South Africa, particularly in the Eastern Cape, following a series of xenophobic attacks linked to the controversial installation of a Nigerian traditional leader.
The unrest, which broke out in the early hours of Monday, saw protesters take to the streets in Albany and Buffalo areas of East London. The demonstrations were reportedly sparked by the installation of Solomon Eziko as “Igwe Ndigbo,” a ceremony held earlier in March that has since drawn criticism from local traditional groups and political activists.
At least 26 Nigerians were injured and taken to hospital during the violence, while properties worth millions of rands—including shops, vehicles, and warehouses—were looted or destroyed.
The attacks have forced many Nigerians to stay indoors, with several businesses across the Eastern Cape and parts of KwaZulu-Natal shutting down amid fears of further escalation.
Videos circulating online showed disturbing scenes of Nigerians being assaulted by mobs, with some clips also depicting security personnel confronting victims. In one instance, members of a local labour group were seen ordering a Nigerian trader to pack up and leave the country.
Reacting to the situation, the President of the Nigerian Citizen Association South Africa (NICASA), Rev. Frank Onyekwelu, described the violence as a coordinated campaign fueled by anti-foreigner sentiments.
He alleged that inflammatory rhetoric had been spread across social media, television, and radio, with the “Igwe” installation used as a pretext to target Nigerian-owned businesses.
The controversy stems from the Igbo chieftaincy title, which some South Africans perceive as undermining local traditional authority. However, Nigerian community leaders insist the title is purely symbolic and intended to preserve cultural identity among the diaspora.
NICASA officials emphasized that the title carries no political or administrative authority within South Africa. Despite this, some Nigerians in the country have criticised the move, calling it poorly timed given heightened anti-migrant sentiments during an election period.
Similarly, the President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo South Africa, Dr. ABC Okokoh, denied that any formal coronation took place, describing the event instead as a private and symbolic recognition.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Union South Africa (NUSA), led by human rights lawyer Mr. Smart Nwobi, said the extent of the damage is still being assessed, noting that many Nigerians remain too fearful to reopen their businesses or move freely.
Efforts are underway to ease tensions, as a delegation from the Nigerian Mission in South Africa, alongside NUSA and Ohanaeze representatives, plans to engage local traditional authorities to clarify that the “Igwe” title does not challenge the country’s sovereignty or its traditional institutions.
For now, the Nigerian community remains on edge, with reports indicating that protesters may regroup for further demonstrations in key business districts across the Eastern Cape.