Traders Rejoice as Anambra High Court Halts Planned Market Demolition
Justice Joseph Ifeanyi Nweze of the Anambra State High Court has restrained Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo from proceeding with the planned demolition of the Onitsha Main Market, ordering all parties to maintain the status quo pending determination of the substantive suit.
The court also restrained the Anambra State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, the Commissioner of Police and the Commissioner for Trade and Commerce, who were listed as respondents in the matter.
The ruling, dated February 25, 2027, followed an application filed under Ref No: O/MISC.35/2026 by seven plaintiffs led by Izuchukwu Paul Madubuko and represented by Nnamdi Ibegbu (SAN).
The applicants sued on behalf of themselves and traders occupying Human Fence Zone 1 Line of the market.
The plaintiffs sought an order preventing the state government from demolishing shops in the market, after Governor Soludo directed an immediate remodelling of the facility, describing the move as “hard, but necessary” for its future.
Soludo had earlier stated that the once-renowned market, often described as the biggest in West Africa, had deteriorated significantly and was “literally dead.”
He subsequently marked over 10,000 shops for demolition and issued traders a 14-day ultimatum to vacate the premises.
In response, affected traders approached the court, alleging that the demolition plan was a vendetta and an attempt to seize the market for the benefit of associates of the governor. They warned of severe financial losses and economic disruption if the exercise proceeded.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Nweze directed all parties to refrain from any act of self-help and ordered counsel to formally notify the Attorney-General of the proceedings. The substantive matter was adjourned to March 16, 2026, for hearing.
The decision sparked jubilation among traders, who described it as a victory for the rule of law and protection of their livelihoods.
Meanwhile, the United Igbo Elders Council appealed to Governor Soludo to reconsider the demolition plan. In a statement signed by its President, Dr Emmanuel Udeze, the group proposed alternative solutions, including the construction of extension markets or relocation of certain sections rather than a total demolition.
The council also called on President Bola Tinubu to caution security agencies against interfering in the matter.
Describing Onitsha Main Market as a national economic asset, the group said it should not be subjected to unilateral decisions, urging dialogue and inclusive engagement to resolve the dispute.
