An uproar has erupted in South Africa’s Eastern Cape after reports that Nigerian national Solomon Ogbonna Eziko was crowned “Igwe Ndigbo,” leader of the Igbo community, during a weekend ceremony in the kuGompo area of East London. Traditional authorities condemned the coronation as illegal, warning that it could spark communal tensions and undermine established governance structures.

The Eastern Cape House of Traditional and Khoi-San Leaders said the coronation violated South Africa’s legal framework for traditional leadership and directly challenged recognized customary institutions. The area in question falls under the jurisdiction of King Jonguxolo Vululwandle Sandile of the amaRharhabe Kingdom, a factor that heightens the sensitivity of the situation. The House demanded a public apology from those involved, the immediate disbandment of the unlawful kingship, and a full-scale investigation by law enforcement agencies to ensure accountability.

The leaders emphasized that no organization has the authority to create or recognize a kingship outside the provisions of the Traditional and Khoi-San Leadership Act. While reiterating their opposition to xen+phobia, they warned that such actions could unintentionally divide communities and weaken respect for the rule of law. They also called on the national government to examine potential legal and immigration implications to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The development has sparked broader debate across South Africa on diaspora leadership, cultural identity, and the limits of authority within multicultural societies. It mirrors a 2025 controversy in Ghana when Eze Chukwudi Ihenetu was installed as “Eze Ndi Igbo Ghana,” triggering protests over sovereignty and the preservation of indigenous chieftaincy systems.

As tensions grow, South African authorities are expected to carefully balance respect for cultural expression with adherence to national legal and traditional frameworks to prevent conflict.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has begun the process of reviewing extant laws in the mining sector to regulate and tackle illegal mining in the country.

President of the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS), Ms. Rose Ndong, disclosed this on Friday at a press briefing ahead of the 262nd council meeting of the society in Uyo, themed: “Optimizing Efficiency, Sustainability and Resilience in Natural Resources Management and Infrastructure Development.”

She recalled that the existing mining laws were last reviewed in 2007, noting that the Federal Government and other relevant stakeholders, including NMGS, have begun identifying some gaps in the current laws with the aim of addressing them. She added that the exercise would be concluded in no distant time.

Explaining the need to rejig the laws following emerging trends in the mining industry, the president urged state governments to comply with the law when reviewed, which, according to her, remains within the purview of the Federal Government for the benefit of all.

“The Ministry of Mines is already working with stakeholders towards reviewing the current law which came into place in 2007. So from 2007 to now, the government felt the need to review it. Not only the government, some bodies like us can spot some gaps.

“We cannot encourage state governments to issue mining licences to companies. For now, the Federal Government is vested with such power, but we are expecting that it would review those laws to tackle illegal mining across Nigeria,” she said.

Speaking on the conference tagged “Uyo 2026,” Ndong said it would address emerging realities in geosciences and the development of the mining sector of the economy.

“As a nation richly endowed with natural resources, Nigeria must adopt innovative, efficient, and sustainable approaches in managing these resources, while also building resilient infrastructure that can support long-term economic growth and environmental stability,” she said, urging Akwa Ibom to take advantage of the opportunities the conference would bring.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation has announced a plan to transport people from Lagos to Osogbo at no cost as part of preparations for the Eid-el-Fitr celebration, working with the Osun State Government.

Naija News reports that the arrangement was made public on Wednesday, March 19, 2026, by the railway corporation’s spokesperson, who explained that the special service is designed for indigenes of Osun State traveling home for the festive period.

The train, named the Imole special service, will run on the narrow-gauge line from Iddo in Lagos straight to Osogbo.

The Osun State Government is fully funding the trip, while the railway corporation will handle the trains, operations, and technical support to ensure the journey runs smoothly.

Alongside this free service, the railway corporation also made plans to handle the expected increase in passenger movement across the country during the holiday.

Extra trips have been scheduled on some major routes to meet demand.

On the Lagos to Ibadan route, three train trips have been fixed for March 19.

Departures will take off from Ebute Metta in Lagos in the morning, early afternoon, and later in the day, while return trips from Moniya in Ibadan will also run at different times within the same day.

For passengers traveling between Abuja and Kaduna, two trips will be available on March 19, with an increase to three daily trips from March 20 to March 23.

The Warri to Itakpe route will continue with its usual pattern of three trips each week, running on specific days, while one day remains set aside for maintenance.

The Port Harcourt to Aba service will also operate without changes throughout the celebration period.

The railway corporation assured travelers that all services will run safely and encouraged Nigerians to make use of the trains during the festive period.