The AmaRharhabe royal kingdom convened a meeting with Nigeria’s acting High Commissioner to SA, Alexander Ajayi, following public outrage sparked by the event, described by local leaders as an unlawful attempt to stage a coronation in the province last month. The engagement was presented as an apology from Nigerian authorities to Eastern Cape traditional leadership, amid claims that local customs and legal requirements were ignored.
AmaRharhabe leadership described the silence of provincial and national leadership as deeply concerning, saying the lack of visible solidarity has undermined efforts to protect customary institutions and maintain public trust.
Speaking to Channel Africa on Friday, Dr ABC Okokoh, President of the Ohaneze Ndi-Igbo South Africa Chapter, said the engagement marked a rare and important moment of direct dialogue between traditional leadership and migrant community structures. Okokoh said stronger, consistent engagement is necessary to prevent misunderstandings that can inflame tensions.
Okokoh argued that the event at the centre of the controversy should be understood as a “decoration” rather than a legitimate coronation, noting that formal coronations fall under defined cultural protocols and recognised processes in SA. Okokoh said civic organisations have a responsibility to raise awareness among migrant communities about South African customary law and community boundaries, to ensure compliance and avoid future flashpoints.
The interview also highlighted broader anxieties around social cohesion. Okokoh warned that xenophobia remains a recurring and sensitive issue, with mistrust often fuelled by economic hardship and perceptions of exclusion. Okokoh called for trust‑building measures, community education, and structured dialogue involving traditional leaders, civic groups, and migrant organisations.
The AmaRharhabe leadership said the incident should serve as a clear warning that violations of SA law and customary practice will face resistance, and called for stronger institutional coordination to prevent similar incidents.
–ChannelAfrica–
