Court Halts Soludo’s Planned Demolition of Onitsha Main Market

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

The High Court of Anambra State has ordered Governor Charles Soludo to halt his planned demolition of sections of the Onitsha Main Market.

Justice J. I. Nweze directed all parties to maintain the status quo until the legal dispute is resolved.

The court’s intervention followed a petition by traders from the Human Fence Zone One Line. They argued that the proposed demolition would cause severe financial loss and immense hardship for thousands of families who depend on the market.

Governor Soludo had recently announced plans to rebuild the market to international standards, comparing his vision to the modern commercial hubs found in Taiwan. He described the current state of the market as deplorable and unattractive to modern patronage.

While the governor admitted the demolition would be “painful,” he insisted it was necessary for progress. However, traders and community leaders countered that the timing is poor and would destabilize the local economy.

The United Igbo Elders Council joined the appeal, urging Soludo to consider alternatives like building extension markets instead of full demolition. They described the Onitsha market as a national asset that requires careful handling.

The group also called on the federal government to ensure security agencies are not used to enforce arbitrary decisions against citizens.

They warned that such actions could undermine the fragile security improvements in the state.

With the substantive hearing fixed for March 16, traders have hailed the court order as a victory for the rule of law. For now, all redevelopment activities at the site remain suspended pending the court’s final decision.