₦airaland Forum

phineas:
Eyes on the ball everyone

Innocent Nigerians have been vilified and castigated in SA, what will Nigeria do about it. End of story

SA cannot hold nigeria responsible for crimes on its shores,that's the meaning and purpose of sovereignty ,abdication of SAs role to keep its country drug free is what is happening.

How is that another countries problem.

Stolen:
EZE IGBO IS A MERE TITLE NOT A THRONE.


TITLE WE GIVE TO EVEN PEOPLE THAT ARE NOT IGBO FROM OTHER TRIBES.


GEJ WAS GIVEN THAT TITLE OF EZEIGBO.


MAKE THEM GO CARRY AM AND SAY HE IS IGBO KING.


LOOK BIGGOTS WILL ALWAYS MANUFACTURE LIES IF THEY CANNOT FIND ANY JSUTIFICATION.

Greyworld:
Exactly... it's crazy because it's not just igbos who do that. Every group in diaspora have a cacus to support themselves and however they refer to their leadership is not a problem so long as they break any laws.

RandDigital:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fqzpr1PgX4?si=CuWGhUxJ-3hULWMF

During high-level talks held in Abuja recently, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola raised concerns with the Nigerian government over the alleged installation of an unrecognised "Igbo King" in the Eastern Cape, as well as the alleged involvement of some Nigerian nationals in organised crime and the occupation of hijacked buildings.

Lamola raised the issues during his diplomatic visit to Nigeria, which came amid recent tensions between the two countries, particularly over immigration.

Nigeria has strongly condemned anti-immigrant violence in South Africa, urging authorities to stop xenophobic attacks and protect lawfully resident foreign nationals.

Lamola, serving as Special Envoy, led the South African delegation during talks in Abuja.

Department of International Relations and Cooperation spokesman Chrispin Phiri said Lamola delivered an official message from President Cyril Ramaphosa to Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said Tinubu designated a high-level Nigerian government delegation to engage in structured talks with the South African delegation led by the Special Envoy.

Phiri said the discussions were candid, constructive and forward-looking, focusing on restoring mutual goodwill and strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.

Lamola outlined three specific areas of concern that have heightened recent tensions between South Africa and Nigeria.

These included the purported installation of an unrecognised traditional ruler, titled an "Igbo King", in the Eastern Cape in March 2026, which caused widespread public concern across South Africa.

In mid-March, videos and photos showing a group of people dressed in traditional Igbo attire appointing Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as the 'Igwe Ndigbo' (Igbo king) of KuGompo went viral on social media.

KuGompo was later hit by violent unrest following protests against the alleged installation of the Nigerian king.

However, both South African and Nigerian authorities have confirmed that the king is not a recognised sovereign leader.

"Minister Lamola emphasised that this occurred while South Africa is actively consolidating the constitutional role of traditional leadership in a post-apartheid society."

Lamola also raised concerns about the involvement of certain foreign nationals, including Nigerian citizens, in organised crime, illicit drug trafficking and financial fraud.

"The Special Envoy noted that as of July 7, 2026, more than 500 Nigerian nationals had been processed through the South African criminal justice system for various offences, highlighting the need for enhanced cross-border security cooperation."

Lamola also addressed instances in which law enforcement officers faced violent resistance or obstruction during criminal investigations.

Specific concern was raised over hijacked residential and commercial properties in urban centres such as Hillbrow in Johannesburg and Sunnyside in Pretoria, where unlawful enclaves have compromised public safety for local residents and foreign nationals alike.

NEGATIVE PERCEPTIONS OF NIGERIANS

"Regrettably, these incidents have fueled negative perceptions surrounding Nigerian nationals living in South Africa over the years."

"Addressing these challenges firmly, fairly, and within the bounds of the law is vital for the well-being of both our nations," said Lamola.

According to Phiri, both delegations also reviewed feedback regarding the processing and arrest of more than 500 Nigerian nationals in South Africa.

“Minister Lamola clarified that these law enforcement measures are evidence-based, targeting individual criminal conduct rather than profiling the broader, law-abiding Nigerian diaspora."

Phiri said the Nigerian delegation acknowledged the need to hold lawbreakers accountable while emphasising the importance of guaranteeing constitutional due process, fair trial standards and humane treatment for all detainees.

Both delegations also agreed on the urgent need to de-escalate inflammatory rhetoric in public discourse and prevent hostile actions.

Phiri said Lamola emphasised that the South African government unequivocally condemns all forms of xenophobia, racism, discrimination and related intolerance.

"While crime and lawlessness will be met with the full force of the law, public frustration or criminal activity can never be used to justify vigilante violence, intimidation, or attacks against foreign nationals."

“Law enforcement remains the exclusive prerogative of the state," Lamola said.

"While South Africa will not tolerate criminal activity by any individual regardless of nationality, we equally will not permit vigilante action or xenophobic violence against foreign nationals residing in our country. To this end arrests have taken place and relevant investigations are still underway."

Lamola reiterated that shared migration and public safety challenges are best resolved through formal diplomatic channels, institutional security partnerships and strict adherence to constitutional rights.

"The two governments reaffirmed that bilateral diplomacy and Pan-African solidarity remain the essential frameworks to ensure peaceful coexistence, safeguard human rights, and deepen historical ties between South Africa and Nigeria."

Henjor48:
Nigeria shouldn't have accepted any form of engagement with SA envoy whatsoever just like Ghana did.

Thank you

RandDigital:
You mean this same Ghana?

Raxxye:
While it is condemnable what is happening is SA, our brothers from the East need to drop this overbearing mentality in another man's land!
They are causing problems for other tribes and extending it to other nationals.
Which one is "Igbo King" in South Africa?

Parachoko:
I dey always feel ashame when watching videos of Nigerian cultists fighting and killing themselves in SA on Naija Confra

didymario7:
The Igbo King saga has been debunked several times by the Nigerian high commission after carrying out their own investigation but they keep bringing it up.

Sirsunola:
.

And 90% are from a particular region, yes we keep blaming the host. We as Nigerians needs to do better too

Sirsunola:
Well two truths can co-exist , yes South Africans are xenophobic and also our Igbo brothers needs to do better, no be by force to get king for another man country .

Borrow2222:
SA thinks they are smart. They want to capitalise on Nigeria’s ethnic divisions and tribalism.

Knowing fully well that once they say something like this, some people will support them immediately and believe them due to the low IQ of most Nigerians.

Ghana, Malawi, and Mozambique

The rest of the other nationalities in SA also have a king.

That’s why you attacked them too.

didymario7:
The Igbo King saga has been debunked several times by the Nigerian high commission after carrying out their own investigation but they keep bringing it up.

Brendaniel:
Funny enough, they won't ask you for your tribe if you happen to get attacked by them, so if you people like continue with the nonsense you people are doing...

Raxxye:
While it is condemnable what is happening is SA, our brothers from the East need to drop this overbearing mentality in another man's land!
They are causing problems for other tribes and extending it to other nationals.
Which one is "Igbo King" in South Africa?

JoeEeL:
Igbos say they are the ones that travel outside of the country. They say Yorubas sit in their region and don't travel at all.

Igbos say foreigners only know Nigeria because of them.

So what do you mean they won't ask for my tribe?? We simply don't exist there.

Greyworld:
I believe every group of people in diaspora form a community to assist and support each other. So if these cultural groups decide to name their leader
" President of XYZ" group in "ABC" does that in anyway undermine the President of that country?

Sincerely, I think the Xenophobes are just saying this cause they know the Igbos are under fire for such even here in Nigeria , so looking for a soft landing.

I havent heard (might have happended but Idont know) when the igbo king in diaspora gave a counter law or made a degree in a foreign land. So where does disrespect come in ??

If we must be realistic, kingship is alien to traditional Igbo culture. Its something they borrowed I still dont think the see kings as SUPREME.

Maybe if they say "high chief" of Igbo union maybe every body will be happy.

PulaPower:
The earlier youre ready to work with the truth, the better for you & your people..

There are lots of Nigerians in SA. They own lots of properties & businesses. They’re also landlord’s renting house out for people… But most of the time, whenever you see a Naija guy with issues in SA, it’s usually Igbo. You ever ask yourself why?

Your people are not just doing drugs or some unnecessary king palaba, they’re into cultism! It’s this cult matter that do bring up most of their problems..

There’s a cult war that’s been going on in SA for a while now. It has been the why you’ve been seeing some Naija guys getting assassinated!

Sirsunola:
.

And 90% are from a particular region, yes we keep blaming the host. We as Nigerians needs to do better too

Borrow2222:
SA thinks they are smart. They want to capitalise on Nigeria’s ethnic divisions and tribalism.

Knowing fully well that once they say something like this, some people will support them immediately and believe them due to the low IQ of most Nigerians.

Ghana, Malawi, and Mozambique

The rest of the other nationalities in SA also have a king.

That’s why you attacked them too.

madridguy:
During high-level talks held in Abuja recently, International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola raised concerns with the Nigerian government over the alleged installation of an unrecognised "Igbo King" in the Eastern Cape, as well as the alleged involvement of some Nigerian nationals in organised crime and the occupation of hijacked buildings.

omenka:
You're Igbo right?

mikeapollo:
SA govt must deal with xenophobia. It is just too bad to attack black African immigrants
But don't let any Nigerian High Commission fool you. They are just being diplomatic.
This ''Igbo King'' thing has been causing problems, but people would not listen and behave. It caused problems in Nigeria, then Ghana, and then SA.
Then Nigerians are into drugs and all sorts of crimes. I wanted to travel to SA in 2017, and people in my office were warning me not to visit a place Hillbrow in Joburg beccaue the place is full of Nigerian criminals, drugs etc.
Truth is Nigerians have very bad reputation in virtually most countries where you find them in huge numbers

morpheus24:
My brother the Igbo king saga was just an excuse to look for some reason to display their general disdain for Nigerian nationals.

I will continue to say that it is necessary to suspend diplomatic relations with South Africa before even initiating talks.

The US chased away the SA ambassador and they said nothing, instead they appeased the US by sending an onyibo ambassador.

They do not respect Nigerians on any level. We need to stop fooling ourselves.

PulaPower:
The earlier youre ready to work with the truth, the better for you & your people..

There are lots of Nigerians in SA. They own lots of properties & businesses. They’re also landlord’s renting house out for people… But most of the time, whenever you see a Naija guy with issues in SA, it’s usually Igbo. You ever ask yourself why?

Your people are not just doing drugs or some unnecessary king palaba, they’re into cultism! It’s this cult matter that do bring up most of their problems..

There’s a cult war that’s been going on in SA for a while now. It has been the why you’ve been seeing some Naija guys getting assassinated!