The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, has urged the South African government to properly investigate recent tensions linked to a reported Igbo “kingship” in East London and take steps to prevent further violence.
Speaking with our correspondent on the issue, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, said Ohanaeze is “unaware” of the reported installation and does not support such actions outside Igbo land.
He further explained that the organisation “doesn’t crown Ndi Eze” and lacks the authority to establish any monarchy abroad.
Chukwu, however, described the reported event as “a ceremonial exercise” that “cannot be seen as a substantive kingship,” stressing that traditional rulers in the Southeast had earlier warned against using such titles outside the region.
The clarification comes as violence has been reported in parts of South Africa, with some properties belonging to Igbo residents allegedly attacked.
Ohanaeze condemned the attacks, saying those involved are “not properly guided.”
The group called on authorities to act quickly, noting that “South Africa has their legal institutions that ought to investigate matters properly” and “enlighten the citizens well.”
Chukwu added that there is no legal basis for establishing foreign monarchies in South Africa and urged the government to communicate this clearly to avoid misunderstanding.
He said the group is also reaching out through its own channels to ensure “the lives and property of our people could be adequately taken care of.”
The appeal is part of efforts to calm tensions and prevent further xenophobic attacks.
