By Lesedi Sibiya-Diplomatic Insider

Acting Nigerian High Commission, Olajide Ogunmadeji has urged its citizens in South Africa to be cautious as an anti illegal immigration protest which took place in the Eastern Cape turned violent.

The protest which took place on Monday, began as a peaceful march in the city of kuGompo, however chaos ensued when one of the protestors had been attacked by foreigner which incited violence from the protestors as they damaged several vehicles and shops. 

The protest follows the recent coronation of a Nigerian king who was seen as a community leader in kuGompo and gave himself the title “King of Igbo people in East London”. Community members saw this as an infringement on sovereignty and an attempt to grab political power.

 South Africa has a foreign population of 2.4 million which constitutes 4% of the population. In South Africa xenophobia has become a long standing issue which has been accompanied by violence, sentiments towards anti-immigration have occurred and have been at the forefront of political conversations.

 “We supported the march because it is part of the efforts of defending our sovereignty but cannot condone violence. Violence doesn’t solve problems…it’s very sad that such an important march was turned into violence and chaos” said kuGompo mayor Princess Faku who is also part of the African National Congress (ANC). 

The violent protest saw 10 vehicles set alight and local shops were also looted, so far no arrests have been made. This has prompted the Nigerian High Commission to urge Nigerian citizens in South Africa to limit their movements and to avoid public gatherings as tensions remain high.

 The Igbo people, who are known as the largest population in Nigeria who are prominent in the South-East area of the region are known to commonly practice installing “Eze ndi Igbo” away from home.

 Several members of the Igbo community in kuGompo have recognised Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as their leader and believe his title has no political significance outside of his community. The Eastern Cape’s cooperative governance department distanced themselves from the event and called for respect to be maintained for the country’s laws.