Government Describes Nigerian King Coronation as a ‘Kindergarten Gimmick’, SA Asks: ‘Why Now?’
- Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, shared the government's stance on the coronation of a Nigerian king in KuGompo City
- The coronation of Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko sparked outrage around the country and led to a protest, which soon turned violent
- South Africans weighed in on the government's stance on the king's coronation, with many questioning why they only spoke out now
Source: UGC
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG - Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, has described the coronation of a Nigerian king in the Eastern Cape as a ‘kindergarten gimmick’ with no legal standing.
Ntshavheni made the comments on Thursday, 2 April 2026, in Pretoria, while briefing the media about outcomes of a recent cabinet meeting.
The coronation of Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko sparked outrage around the country and led to an initial peaceful protest against it in KuGompo City, which eventually turned violent.
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How did the government respond to the coronation?
Speaking about the coronation, the minister dismissed it as illegitimate, saying the cabinet expressed strong disapproval of the incident.
"The cabinet expressed disgust at the so-called coronation of the Nigerian national as an alleged chief in KuGompo City in the Eastern Cape and indicated it is a mere kindergarten gimmick and has no legal effect," she said.
Ntshavheni emphasised that recognition of traditional leadership in South Africa was governed by strict legal frameworks. She also said that the government had noted the apology by the Nigerian embassy officials and the Department of International Relations and Co-operation (DIRCO) would continue engaging with the Nigerian High Commission regarding the matter.
Ntshavheni also commented on the protest, which turned violent, saying it was concerning that legitimate grievances over the matter resulted in acts of violence and criminality.
“Cabinet reminds South Africans that the right to protest comes with responsibility and must be exercised peacefully and within the confines of the law," she said.
Source: Twitter
South Africans share mixed reactions to the minister’s statement
Social media users weighed in on Ntshavheni’s statement, sharing mixed reactions to it.
Tee Tee asked:
“Why were they silent? They waited for people to take action?”
Masango Doctorsen said:
“Consistent, as expected. Trying to put the wool over people's eyes, again and again.”
Steven L Buthelezi stated:
“As expected from the ANC. Protect foreigners. Always. Next elections, they'll see another decline and blame KuGumpo protest for that.”
Ramatee Ranala said:
“This is just a cheap trick, like something the ANC would do.”
Thabo Slick Mukhwatsi added:
“And the hypocrites only decide to speak now. They should have deported that king a long time ago. But clearly, we have no government.”
Xolo Lusanda Mbatha claimed:
“The statement they came out with today is rather useless.”
Tumisho Mabusela said:
“You should have said that on day one before we took to the streets.”
Bro T Malik McWhite asked:
“What were they waiting for? They wanted March and March to act first?”
Other stories about the march against the king
Briefly News has covered several angles around the march against the coronation of the king, especially focusing on the aftermath of it.
- The Amathole House of Traditional Leaders has reacted to the coronation of Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko in KuGompo City.
- A man was left devastated after he discovered that his car had been vandalised by angry residents during the protest in KuGompo City.
- Looters targeted an Eastern Cape butchery after a peaceful protest turned violent in KuGompo City.
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Source: Briefly News
