Anambra Government Demolishes Onitsha Main Market Despite Court Injunction
The Anambra State government has carried out the demolition of sections of the popular Onitsha Main Market, following Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo's directive. The exercise, which took place on Sunday, March 1, 2026, was executed by the Onitsha North Local Government Area under the leadership of Mayor Emeka Orji.
Governor Soludo's Justification for the Demolition
Governor Soludo maintained that the demolition was necessary due to numerous structures built outside the original master plan. During a visit to the market in early February, he described it as an eyesore, noting that traders had constructed shops, plazas, parking spaces, and other facilities on drainages and unauthorized areas. The governor emphasized that the government would demolish all unauthorised structures and remodel the market to restore it to its intended design and glory.
Traders' Resistance and Court Injunction
Despite the government's stance, traders and stakeholders strongly resisted the plan. They urged the government to build a new market elsewhere, warning that demolishing the existing structures would severely impact livelihoods, cause economic hardship, and potentially create insecurity. In response, traders obtained a court injunction from Justice J. I. Nweze of the Onitsha High Court, directing all parties to maintain the status quo pending a hearing scheduled for March 16.
A market stakeholder, speaking anonymously, expressed shock that the All Progressives Grand Alliance government proceeded with the demolition despite the court order. He stated, "We thought the court order would stop the exercise, only to wake up and see the demolition in progress."
Demolition Process and Security Presence
The demolition was conducted with significant security presence, including:
- Operation Clean And Healthy Anambra Brigade
- Agunechemba security operatives
- Special Anti-Touting Squad for Anambra State
- Other security agencies
Many traders rushed to the market to salvage their goods, but most were unable to do so in time. Speaking at the scene, traders expressed regret that the government demolished the market without providing alternative arrangements for their businesses.
Government's Position on Traders' Losses
Monday Nwokoye, the director of the Special Anti-Touting Squad for Anambra State, stated that traders were given ample time to remove their goods but failed to do so. He added that the government would not be responsible for any loss of goods during the demolition exercise.
Political Context and Endorsements
Earlier, thousands of native doctors and traditional religion practitioners had endorsed Governor Soludo for a second term. Daniel Ejie, the state coordinator of Native Doctors and Spiritual Material Sellers, commended Soludo for his courage, vision, and inclusive leadership style. The group also sensitized members to the provisions of the newly passed Anambra State Homeland Security Law.
The demolition of Onitsha Main Market represents a significant development in urban planning and governance in Anambra State, highlighting tensions between government development plans and the economic interests of market traders.
