Fake Kings Face Jail Time Warning After Controversial ‘Nigerian King Coronation’ In East London

The Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) says it became aware of reports of an alleged Nigerian king being crowned in East London through media coverage and not official channels.

The department confirmed it is still gathering information regarding the incident.

“We learned through the media about the alleged coronation of a Nigerian King in East London,” Cogta said, adding that it is “in the process of obtaining more information on the matter.”

The reported event has triggered public debate about the legitimacy of such ceremonies and whether South Africa’s legal framework sufficiently regulates traditional leadership structures.

Law Clearly Defines Recognition of Kings and Traditional Leaders

Cogta emphasised that the recognition of kings and queens in South Africa is governed by the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act, 2019.

Under the legislation, only individuals formally recognised by the President of South Africa are legally acknowledged as kings or queens. This recognition must be published in the Government Gazette and accompanied by an official certificate.

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“The legal recognition of a person as a King or Queen by the President is through publication of a government gazette and issuance of a certificate of recognition recognising such a person as a King,” the department said.

It added that any individual or community claiming kingship without meeting these requirements is not recognised in law.

“Any community that is not legally recognised as a Kingship and any person who is not legally recognised in terms of these sections of the Act are not a legitimate Kingship and King, respectively.”

False Claims to Royal Status Carry Criminal Penalties

The department further warned that falsely presenting oneself as a traditional leader constitutes a criminal offence under the Act.

Section 7(9) provides that any person who is not legally recognised but claims such status may face prosecution.

Cogta confirmed that such individuals “are guilty of an offence and are liable upon conviction to a fine or imprisonment not exceeding three years.”

The provisions apply across all recognised traditional leadership levels, including kingships, principal traditional leaders, senior leaders and headmen or headwomen.

Cogta noted that while individuals and communities are free to observe cultural traditions, this must take place within the boundaries of the law.

“Anyone in the country may practice their own traditional customs but in compliance with the laws of the country,” the department said, referencing the Constitution and applicable legislation.

The department maintained that existing laws provide a sufficient framework to regulate all communities, including diaspora groups, and that no separate system is required.

Political Criticism Emerges Over Enforcement

The controversy has also drawn political attention, with the African Transformation Movement (ATM) raising concerns about the enforcement of traditional leadership laws.

Cogta declined to comment in detail on the criticism, stating that further information would be required to respond.

“More information will need to be provided to enable the department to respond meaningfully to the allegation,” it said.

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Cogta said it recognises concerns among legitimate traditional leaders regarding the potential erosion of authority caused by such incidents.

The department reiterated that the legal framework remains in place to safeguard recognised leadership structures.

“Government is committed to working with traditional leaders and communities to ensure that the legitimacy is not undermined,” it said.

Authorities have indicated that the matter remains under review as further details around the reported coronation are established.