馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Igbo leader Solomon Ezekiel apologizes for South Africa 'coronation' controversy
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
Solomon Ezekiel, an Igbo leader in South Africa, has apologized and disavowed claims of kingship following controversy surrounding his reported coronation in East London on March 14, 2026. Ezekiel stated he was not crowned King but was recognized as a senior elder in the Igbo community in Eastern Cape, clarifying that this role does not grant him authority as a king or traditional leader. He expressed regret for the misunderstanding and the violence, including property destruction, that ensued, appealing for forgiveness from South African traditional authorities and residents. The apology comes amidst backlash over the installation, which sparked tensions and protests. The Nigerian Federal Government condemned the coronation and similar activities by 'Eze Ndigbo' in foreign countries, describing them as an embarrassment. The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, noted that while Igbo associations abroad promote heritage, installing traditional rulers has caused friction. The controversy in South Africa escalated into protests on March 30, leading to looting, vehicle destruction, and a stabbing incident. South African authorities, including the Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders, condemned the coronation as a violation of customary protocols, and the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs declared it illegal. The Nigerian Embassy in Pretoria apologized and urged calm. The National Executive Committee
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadKemi Badenoch, Leader of the UK Conservative Party, stated that immigrants arriving in Britain on temporary work visas should not automatically be granted permanent residency. She urged the Labour government to maintain its proposed 10-year qualifying period for indefinite leave to remain. Badenoch made these remarks in a post on her X handle, which included a letter addressed to the UK's Home Secretary. She criticized calls from some Labour lawmakers to soften planned immigration reforms, asserting that individuals not making a significant economic contribution over a decade should return to their home countries after their temporary visas expire. Badenoch and Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp jointly signed the letter, expressing concern over reports that the Labour government might exempt approximately two million migrants who entered the UK on work visas between 2021 and the present from the extended qualifying period. Badenoch described such a move as a "grave mistake," arguing that granting indefinite leave to remain after only five years would strain the UK's welfare system and that many low-paid, low-skilled immigrant jobs could be filled by economically inactive British citizens. She also offered the Conservative Party's support if Labour proceeds with its original proposals without amendments, stating that the government's decision would demonstrate its commitment to controlling borders.
The Federal Government has initiated a nationwide vocational and skills acquisition program for over 18,000 artisans and unemployed Nigerians. Training is scheduled to commence on Tuesday at 229 accredited centers across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This initiative, implemented by the National Social Investment Programme Agency NSIPA, aims to provide participants with vocational skills, entrepreneurship training, and trade-specific starter packs to foster self-employment and reduce poverty. Dr. Bernard Doro, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, stated that the program aligns with President Bola Tinubu鈥檚 Renewed Hope Agenda, moving vulnerable Nigerians towards economic self-reliance. The two-week training targets individuals with existing basic vocational knowledge, offering additional technical skills to enhance productivity. The ministry has established a robust monitoring and evaluation framework, including a digital tracking system for beneficiaries and distributed starter packs. Badamasi Lawal, the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of NSIPA, confirmed that the program will be delivered through accredited government technical colleges, vocational institutions, and approved training centers. Participants will receive training in 14 vocational trades, such as automobile technology, agriculture, baking, carpentry, electrical installation, and fashion design. Beneficiaries will also undergo entrepreneurship training cov
Nigeria's National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, met with the newly confirmed United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, in Abuja. This meeting aimed to strengthen security cooperation between the two nations. Garcia's visit to Nigeria is his first since assuming office on June 1, 2026, and is part of a West African tour that includes C么te d'Ivoire and Mali. Ribadu stated on X that the discussion reviewed progress by the Nigeria-US Joint Working Group and reaffirmed their commitment to dialogue and cooperation on shared security priorities. Garcia, a 28-year US Navy veteran, previously served as a senior adviser to the chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. His appointment filled a vacancy in the Africa post that had lasted over a year.