The government has been called to investigate the immigration status of Solomon Ogbonna Eziko , a Nigerian national who was recently crowned as a traditional leader of the Igbo people in KuGompo City in the Eastern Cape, and provide a report on the citizenship of former Miss South Africa contestant, Chidimma Adetshina and her mother.
A civic movement, Progressive Forces of South Africa , launched a national petition on Change.org, calling for urgent and lawful intervention by the executive and legislative arms of government.
The Eziko Matter
The movement said Eziko’s matter raises serious legal and governance concerns, particularly regarding:
The alleged coronation sparked intense controversy, being perceived as a direct challenge to South African sovereignty and traditional leadership.
The Chidimma Adetshina Case
After Chidimma became a finalist in the Miss South Africa pageant in 2024, public scrutiny over her Nigerian name prompted a DHA investigation, which reported prima facie evidence that her mother allegedly committed identity theft in 2001 to obtain South African citizenship.
Anabela Rungo was arrested in Cape Town in February 2025 for allegedly remaining in the country illegally after her documents were cancelled. She faces several criminal charges related to identity fraud and immigration violations and was granted bail of R10,000.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for 17 April 2026.
The Petition’s Demands
The movement is demanding:
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Enforcement of Sections 32 and 34 of the Immigration Act, including lawful detention and deportation if Eziko’s presence is found unlawful
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A national audit of the legal status and activities of Nigerian nationals residing in South Africa
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A formal review of the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Embassy in South Africa
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Should the embassy be found failing to cooperate, appropriate diplomatic measures should be consideredincluding possible closure
The Nigerian Embassy’s Response
The Nigerian Deputy Acting High Commissioner, Olajide Ogunmadeji , issued a “sincere apology” to South African traditional institutions and the people of the Eastern Cape, expressing regret for the offence caused.
The embassy reaffirmed its respect for South Africa’s laws, customs, and traditional leadership structures.
The Bottom Line
A Nigerian “king” in the Eastern Cape. A former Miss SA contestant’s mother accused of identity theft. A civic movement demanding answers.
The government has been called to investigate. The Nigerian embassy has apologised. But the questions remain.
And the petition is growing.
