The President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in South Africa, Mr ABC Okokoh, during an interview with The Punch correspondent, was reported to have addressed the controversy surrounding the alleged coronation of an “Igwe” in South Africa, clarifying that there had been a misrepresentation of events.
He explained that the term “coronation” was incorrect, stressing that Ohanaeze did not coronate anyone but only carried out a decoration. He added that there was no installation and that there was no recognised “Igwe of Igboland” in South Africa, noting that such terminology had led to widespread misconceptions, misinformation, and fake news on social media.
According to The Punch, he was further said to have argued that it was not possible for anyone to establish a kingdom in another region where an existing authority already existed. He illustrated this by stating that just as no one could go to Lagos and claim a kingdom, or travel to Britain and attempt to create one in a country already known as the United Kingdom, the same principle applied in South Africa.
Addressing the protest led by ActionSA, as he was asked about the current situation of Nigerians in the country following the backlash, he said, “The protest didn’t happen because the event went viral; it happened because fellow Nigerians here were the ones telling them that it was kingship that was done.
“As God would have it, things are under control and a bit calmer. Our High Commission and consulate have been working very hard, engaging the government, trying to explain that it’s not what the host community had in mind that happened.”
He was also said to have explained that the organisation had immediately issued a disclaimer once the controversy began.
According to him, while the protests and backlash were regrettable, the local population could not be entirely blamed, as they had been misled and therefore reacted in anger. However, he noted that the situation had escalated beyond what was normal, leading to reports of loss of lives, destruction of property, and disruption of livelihoods.
He further stated that efforts were being made to engage with the local community, particularly within the affected area, stressing that there was already an existing traditional leadership structure in that kingdom. He reiterated that it was not appropriate to install a king in a place where one already existed…..See More
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