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."
Comments
Post a Comment