Anti-illegal migration organisation March and March and other parties have brought traffic to a grinding halt in KuGompo City, protesting the coronation of a Nigerian king.
The outrage erupted after videos and photos went viral on social media showing Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko being crowned “Igwe Ndigbo” of KuGompo City.
Provincial authorities and cultural experts have condemned the coronation calling it unlawful and a violation of customary protocols.
The situation escalated to violence when the protesters, some who had travelled from KwaZulu-Natal forced the closure of local businesses in the CBD and torched vehicles.
Police had to use rubber bullets to disperse the crowd.
The group marched from Windmill to the KuGompo City Hall where they will be addressing their grievances.
A protester who was part of the march said the illegal coronation of the Nigerian king was a declaration of war.
Eziko was allegedly coronated by a group of community members originating from Nigeria.
“It’s a sign of disrespect. We cannot have someone undermining customary laws put in place by Eastern Cape traditional leaders. It is undermining the fight of hundreds of people who died for this land,” the protester said.
Another protester said they also wanted to send a clear message that illegal foreigners in the country will not be tolerated.