EruditeBlog

Justice Joseph Ifeanyi Nweze of the Anambra State High Court has restrained Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo from demolishing Onitsha Main Market, pending a substantive legal suit challenging the move is resolved. Governor Soludo had earlier disclosed plans to clear parts of the market during a meeting with community stakeholders, describing its present state as deteriorated and unattractive to customers. According to him, the once-thriving commercial hub had lost its appeal and warned that a difficult but necessary demolition exercise would be carried out to transform it into a modern facility comparable to international standards, referencing Taiwan as a model. Concerned about the implications of the proposed redevelopment, the plaintiffs, led by Izuchukwu Paul Madubuko on behalf of themselves, traders, and occupants of Human Fence Zone 1 Line in the market; and represented by Nnamdi Ibegbu (SAN) under Ref No: O/MISC.35/2026, sought a court order preventing the planned demolition. Ju...