Igbo Community in South Africa Denies Establishing Kingdom or Crowning King in East London.

Umuaka Times correspondents in South Africa can authoritatively confirm that OhanezeNdigbo South Africa (ONSA), the apex socio-cultural organization of the Igbo people in South Africa, has issued a disclaimer refuting claims that she established a sovereign “Kingdom” and crowned a “King” in East London. This information was contained in a letter dated 19th March 2026 which was signed by the duo of Mr L.K. Ashinze the secretary General of OhanaezeNdi Igbo and Dr ABC Okokoh the president of the organization both in South Africa.

According to ONSA, the Igbo community convened in East London on March 14, 2026, solely for the inauguration of a community leader, honorarily addressed as “Igwe”, to foster unity and promote cultural cohesion among Igbo people.

The organization clarified that the term “Igwe” refers to a cultural leader, not a monarch, and does not imply the creation of a kingdom or claim to sovereign territory. ONSA emphasized that their activities are aimed at promoting cultural exchange, social cohesion, and peaceful coexistence with host communities, and not at establishing parallel kingdoms or kings in South Africa.

The disclaimer comes amid concerns that some individuals and groups are spreading misinformation to create disaffection between the Igbo community and host communities. ONSA appealed to South Africans and the general public to disregard such inflammatory misinformation, emphasizing their commitment to social integration, cultural exchange, and mutually respectful relationships.