The Ohanaeze Ndigbo South Africa (ONSA) has dismissed reports alleging that the Igbo community established a “kingdom” and crowned a traditional ruler in East London, describing the claims as false, misleading, and capable of fueling social tension.
In an official statement jointly signed by L. K. Ashinze and ABC Okokoh, the group said the widely circulated reports misrepresented a March 14, 2026 gathering, insisting that no monarchy was created and no sovereign authority was declared.
“The publications claiming the establishment of a kingdom and coronation of a king are erroneous and regrettable,” the statement read, accusing certain individuals of amplifying misinformation for “social, commercial and political traction.”
*‘Igwe’ is cultural, not political — ONSA
Clarifying the use of the title, ONSA noted that “Igwe” in Igbo tradition denotes a respected cultural leader or elder, not a sovereign monarch—especially in the diaspora.
“We did not crown a king. We did not establish a kingdom. What we created is a cultural rallying point for the Igbo community,” Ashinze and Okokoh stated.
According to the group, the appointed leader’s role is to promote unity among Igbo residents, preserve cultural heritage, and encourage peaceful coexistence with host communities in South Africa.
The leader is also tasked with mentoring community members, fostering integration, and ensuring respect for local laws and institutions.
*No parallel authority, group insists
ONSA stressed that it neither established nor intends to establish any parallel traditional institution in South Africa, reiterating that the Igbo community fully respects the country’s sovereignty and traditional leadership structures.
“The Igbo community in South Africa has not established, does not intend to establish, and will never establish parallel kingdoms or kings on South African soil,” the statement signed by Ashinze and Okokoh added.
The group warned that the distortion of the event had been deliberately politicised and commercialised, particularly on social media and podcast platforms, in ways that could incite division.
*Reaffirms respect for South African traditional institutions
Highlighting its history of cultural collaboration, ONSA pointed to its past engagements with South African royalty, including the late Goodwill Zwelithini and Zwelonke Sigcawu, as well as ongoing relations with Bhungane III.
The organisation said such interactions demonstrate the Igbo community’s commitment to mutual respect, cultural exchange, and social cohesion.
“We are guests in this great nation. Our ancestral homeland remains Igboland. We hold the sovereignty of South Africa and its traditional institutions in the highest regard,” the statement further noted.
*Appeal against misinformation, xenophobia
ONSA urged the public to disregard what it described as inflammatory and xenophobic narratives surrounding the issue, warning that such misinformation could strain relations between communities.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful coexistence, cultural integration, and fostering positive relationships with South Africans and other communities across the country.
