AbaThembu King Refutes Claims Of Nigerian Chief Coronation In Eastern Cape

The Royal House of AbaThembu has rejected widely circulated social media claims that King Buyelekhaya Dalindyebo hosted and bestowed royal status on a Nigerian national in the Eastern Cape.

The allegations, which have spread rapidly across digital platforms, have been dismissed by the royal household as false.

AbaThembu royal ambassador and senior advisor Adv Matthew Mpahlwa strongly criticised the reports, attributing them to malicious fabrication.

AbaThembu Royal House Dismisses Viral Coronation Claims As Fake News

“The Royal House of AbaThembu wishes to distance itself from the trending social media posts and pictures purporting to portray King Dalindyebo as welcoming and officially granting royalty to a particular Nigerian national,” Mpahlwa said.

He added: “It would appear that the social media posts are a product of fake news, sick and depraved minds.

“As such, no further comment will be issued in this regard.”

The response follows the circulation of videos and images online depicting an elaborate ceremony in which Chief Solomon Ogbonna Eziko is seen being crowned “Igwe Ndigbo”.

ATM Calls For Government Probe Into Alleged Eastern Cape Ceremony

Earlier this week, the African Transformation Movement (ATM) urged authorities to investigate the reported coronation.

“ATM views this incident as a dangerous precedent that undermines not only the authority of legitimate traditional leaders but also the rule of law,” the party said.

The controversy emerges amid heightened attention on Dalindyebo, who has recently made headlines for his outspoken political remarks ahead of local government elections.

Dalindyebo’s Political Remarks And Leadership Disputes Draw Attention

In a recent address, the AbaThembu king called on his subjects to support the ATM while criticising both the ANC and the EFF.

“We do not want ANC leaders,” he said, adding that “we do not want one of their leaders here, [nor do we] want their demarcation.”

He also took aim at EFF leader Julius Malema, describing him as a “sleepwalker”, despite the party previously gifting him a Mercedes-Benz in November 2021.

Dalindyebo further stirred debate with remarks about Mandla Mandela, traditional leader of Mvezo and grandson of former president Nelson Mandela.

“Today, I pronounce that Mandela is no longer chief at Mvezo,” Dalindyebo said.

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“He thinks we are playing here.

“While we are busy trying to save our own children here, he is saving children in Palestine.

“Let Palestine give him chieftaincy. He is no longer welcome here.”

He then said Mandela disrespected him.

“Each chief that has something against me or a beef with me must pack his belongings and leave my [kingdom].

“We only honoured his grandfather and not him … he [Mandla Mandela] is disrespectful,” he said.