Twelve vehicles were damaged during a protest against the coronation of Solomon Ogbonna Eziko, a Nigerian residing in Kugompo city, Eastern Cape, South Africa, as “Igwe Ndigbo Na East London”.
The protest, which took place on Monday afternoon, also led to the burning of several buildings in the area.
“The protest began as a planned peaceful demonstration by various traditional leaders over the coronation of an Igbo king,” said Nobuntu Gantana, a South African police spokesperson.
“Violence broke out when some participants moved away from the city hall, where a petition was being handed over.
“Twelve vehicles have been damaged, several buildings have been torched, and no injuries have been reported.”
On Sunday, a group known as ActionSA had said it would take to the streets of Kugompo city to protest against Eziko’s coronation.
“On Monday, in Kugompo City, there is going to be a march because some Nigerians in Kugompo City took it upon themselves to coronate a king, and to say they are going to claim Kugompo City as the Igbo people in Nigeria. Lento iyasimangalisa [That is very shocking to us],” said Athol Trollip, the leader of the group.
Trollip subsequently said he and his colleagues would attend the march to condemn the move.
Fij.ng