The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has advised Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm as the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa investigates allegations of violence against some Nigerians celebrating a cultural festival in the country.
Dabiri-Erewa described the incident as “a serious case of misconception and misinterpretation,” urging both sides to remain calm while the High Commission looks into the matter.
The advisory follows a statement issued by the Nigerian High Commission in Pretoria, urging Nigerians in South Africa to exercise caution.
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Violence reportedly erupted following a protest in KuGompo City (formerly East London) in South Africa’s Eastern Cape after the coronation of Nigerian national Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko as “Igwe Ndigbo na East London”.
South African leaders, including representatives from ActionSA, the Patriotic Alliance, the civic movement March & March, ISANCO, and local traditional authorities, marched to submit a petition to the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs insisting that there is no constitutional provision allowing foreigners to crown themselves in the province.