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“I’m not a king,” South Africa’s Igbo leader apologises
Solomon Ezekiel, the man at the centre of the recent crisis involving Igbo community in South Africa and citizens of that country, has tendered public apology and renounced the Eze Igbo traditional title that triggered the protests in which many ships were looted.
Ezekiel, in an apology posted on X on Saturday, reiterated that he was not crowned King but just recognised as an elder.
While expressing how deeply sorry he was for the misunderstanding his coronation caused and the violence which led to the destruction of properties that followed, Ezekiel appealed to South African traditional authorities and the natives to forgive him.
He said, “Good day, South Africans, traditional leaders, my name is Chief Solomon Obona Ezekiel. I would like to sincerely apologise to Kunkane, Jobgolo, Sandile, the amakakagwe of Osa kingdom, the traditional leaders of South Africans, the people of Gompu and all South Africans. I am sorry for the confusion and concern caused by the event that took place on 14th March, 2026, in East London.
“I want to make it clear I was not crowned as a King, I am not a king, I do not claim to be a king. What happened on that day was only my appointment as a senior elder in the Igbo community in Eastern Cape. It does not give me any authority as a king or traditional leader.
“I respect His Majesty Kunkane Jobgolo Sandile, and I recognise his authority. I also respect all traditional leaders and the laws of South Africa. It was never my intention to disrespect the people, the leadership or the country of South Africa. I take full responsibility for the misunderstanding, and I am truly sorry”.
He stated that he recognises the efforts being put in to make amends, and he fully supports it.
“I support all efforts to restore peace, understanding and unity. I humbly ask for forgiveness from Everyone affected.”
The apology comes amid growing backlash over the controversial installation, which had sparked tensions and protests in South Africa’s Eastern Cape.
News
Breaking: Court of Appeal rules in favour of Turaki -led PDP candidate for Osun governorship election
The Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, on Thursday, ruled that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Gubernatorial Candidate in Osun State was validly nominated by the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee.
The court also ordered INEC to list the PDP logo on the ballot ahead of Saturday’s gubernatorial election.
The Court held that access code is neither a creation of the Constitution nor the Electoral Act; rather, a creation of INEC’s guidelines and cannot, in any way, override the provisions of the Constitution.
Section 288 of the Constitution does not specify the method for nominating candidates; it only states that the names of candidates should be forwarded to the Commission.
The court further held that the defendant (INEC) should take steps to include the name of the appellant on the ballot paper.
Additionally, the court ruled that the primary election conducted by the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee (NWC) of the PDP was a valid primary election in law.
The three-man panel of justices—Justice Mahmud, Justice Jaro, and Justice Ankawere, was unanimous in its judgment.
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Breaking: NHRC sets up situation room to monitor and document hate speech, intimidation, threat to life ahead 2027
The national Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has set up a situation room to monitor and document all incidences of hate speech, intimidation and threat to life by politicians and other actors ahead of the 2027 general election.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed concerns over rising incidences of hate speech, intimidation and outright threat to life by highly placed individuals, especially politicians and religious leaders.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chef Tony Ojukwu, SAN, revealed this on Thursday in Abuja at a press conference.
He said the situation room would enable the Commission harvest data, analysis and document persons, agencies and others involved in the negative statements in order to ensure they are properly tracked and brought to book by relevant agencies.
Ojukwu also took journalists on a tour of the newly set up situation room.
Details later…..
News
Breaking: NHRC expresses concern over rising incidences of hate speech, threat to life ahead 2027 elections
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has expressed concerns over rising incidences of hate speech, intimidation and outright threat to life by highly placed individuals, especially politicians and religious leaders.
At a press conference in Abuja Thursday, the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Chef Tony Ojukwu, SAN, recalled statements credited to Senator Francis Fadahunsi and Sheikh Yahya Jingir and described the das dangerous with capacity to set the nation ablaze.
He called on politicians, religious and traditional rulers, among other stakeholders to call their supporters and faithful to orders.
He urged government to act before rhetorics turn to violence, saying the forthcoming election in Osun State should serve as example of Nigeria’s capacity to conduct political contest in compliance with international best practices.
Details later…..
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