A protest in KuGompo, formerly East London, turned violent on Monday after anger over the alleged coronation of Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as “Igwe Ndigbo” spilled into the streets. Videos and images of the ceremony circulated on social media and triggered outrage among residents, political groups and traditional leaders.

What began as a planned march later descended into chaos. Police said violence broke out when some protesters moved away from City Hall, where a petition was being handed over. By then, at least 12 vehicles had been damaged and several buildings had been torched. Emergency services, including the fire department and public order police, were sent to the scene.

Police Respond as Conflicting Injury Reports Emerge

Police spokesperson Brigadier Nobuntu Gantana said the scene remained active as authorities worked to contain the unrest. One update said a man was allegedly stabbed in the back and taken to hospital, with police saying he was not linked to the march. Another report from police said no injuries had been reported at that stage. That suggests the situation was still fast-moving as details emerged.

Police also used teargas to disperse the crowd as tensions rose. Authorities said the events around both the protest and the alleged coronation are under investigation.

Traditional Leaders and Parties Reject Ceremony

Several groups joined the demonstration, including ActionSA, the Patriotic Alliance, March and March and traditional leaders. Athol Trollip said there was no constitutional basis for a foreign national to crown themselves as a king in the Eastern Cape. Patriotic Alliance spokesperson Steve Motale called it a “fake coronation”, while Contralesa president Kgosi Mathupa Mokoena said kingship must exist within a recognised traditional structure.

AbaThembu Royal House Distances Itself

The Royal House of AbaThembu has also rejected claims that King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo endorsed or recognised the alleged coronation. Royal advisor Matthew Mpahlwa said social media posts suggesting royal backing were false and misleading.

The row has now grown beyond a viral controversy. It has become a flashpoint over sovereignty, traditional authority and who gets recognised as a leader in South Africa.