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. Justice J. I. Nweze in his ruling dated February 25, 2027 and obtained on Saturday, directed all parties to preserve the current situation pending the hearing of the main case scheduled for March 16. the seven applicants acted
The court also restrained the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Commissioner of Police, and the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, who were named as respondents in the suit.
In another report, the United Igbo Elders Council urged the governor to reconsider the plan. The council suggested alternatives, including the development of extension markets or relocating certain sections, rather than a total demolition.
The group also appealed to the administration of Bola Tinubu to ensure that security forces are not involved in the matter. It described the Onitsha market as a national economic asset that should not be subjected to unilateral decisions.
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