Violent Protests in KuGompo: 10 Vehicles Torched Over Nigerian King’s Coronation

Eastern Cape police say no arrests were made following volatile protests in opposition to the coronation of a Nigerian king.

More than ten vehicles were torched in KuGompo (formerly East London) on Monday during demonstrations led by traditional leaders and community groups.

The Demand

The Amathole House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders has issued an unequivocal demand: Solomon Ogbonna Eziko , the Nigerian national coronated as Igwe Ndigbo in KuGompo earlier this month, must be deported, along with every individual who took part in the ceremony.

The Violence

The march had been lawfully applied for and initially proceeded without incident. However, as traditional leaders addressed the crowd from the back of an open vehicle, violence broke out.

A group began hurling stones at buildings, vehicles, and property before setting several vehicles alight. Police responded with rubber bullets and stun grenades.

By the time order was partially restored, at least 10 vehicles had been damaged and two individuals injured. Businesses along the route shut their shops ahead of the crowd’s arrival.

Police Response

Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said they are on alert and monitoring the situation.

“Thus far, no arrests have been made. Public Order Police are monitoring the affected areas.”

Albany, Buffalo, and Oxford Streets remain the most affected areas.

“The public is urged to exercise caution in these areas.”

Parliamentary Pressure

The call for deportation was echoed at the highest levels of Parliament.

In a formal letter to the Minister of Home Affairs on 30 March 2026, African Transformation Movement (ATM) parliamentary leader Vuyo Zungula demanded the government initiate an urgent investigation into the immigration status of all individuals involved in the coronation and move swiftly to “arrest, prosecute and deport all individuals involved in the unlawful coronation.”

The Bottom Line

A Nigerian king. A coronation in East London. Violent protests. Ten torched vehicles. Calls for deportation from traditional leaders and Parliament.

The situation remains tense. Police are on alert. And the demand is clear: he must go

{Source: Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com