Onitsha Market Closure Ignites Legal and Economic Debate in Anambra
The recent closure of Onitsha Main Market by Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has sparked significant controversy, with traders and legal experts questioning the governor's authority to shut down private businesses. The one-week shutdown was ordered on Monday, January 26, 2026, after traders failed to comply with the governor's directive to open their shops on Mondays, defying the long-standing sit-at-home order associated with IPOB agitation in southeast Nigeria.
Traders Express Frustration Over Collective Punishment
Market traders have voiced strong opposition to what they describe as collective punishment, arguing that the closure unfairly affects both compliant and non-compliant shop owners. Papa Ejima, a trader at Onitsha Main Market, criticized the governor's action, stating that he had opened his shop when Governor Soludo arrived to announce the closure. Ejima questioned the economic logic behind the decision, asking whether traders work for the governor or if he is responsible for feeding their families.
Another trader, Simon-Daniel Ubani, suggested that the government should focus on persuasive appeals rather than punitive measures. He emphasized that many traders do open their shops on Mondays and should not be punished alongside those who choose to stay closed. Ubani believes that normalcy can be restored through continued dialogue and appeals to traders to shun the sit-at-home practice.
Legal Expert Questions Constitutional Basis of Market Closure
Legal practitioner Mr. Smart Udebunu addressed the contentious issue of whether a governor has the legal right to close a market as punishment for traders' non-compliance. In an exclusive telephone interview, Udebunu highlighted the balance between executive powers to maintain order and constitutional rights to trade and own property. He pointed to the Fundamental Human Rights under the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, which guarantees rights to personal liberty, freedom of movement, and freedom of association.
Udebunu argued that forcing shop owners to operate on a specific day violates these constitutional rights, as a trader's decision not to trade is a business choice, not a crime. He noted that there is no known Nigerian law that compels citizens to conduct business on any particular day. The lawyer described the market closure as a form of collective punishment, which is generally frowned upon under human rights laws and could be considered an abuse of power.
Governor's Defense and Security Concerns
Governor Soludo has defended his action, labeling the sit-at-home orders as economic sabotage that harms investment and security in the state. He warned non-compliant traders to relocate and threatened to extend the market closure beyond one week if shops remain closed. The governor assured traders who open their shops that adequate security would be provided, despite widespread fears over the IPOB directive.
Udebunu acknowledged that the governor, as the state's Chief Security Officer, has a duty to maintain peace and order. He noted that if sit-at-home orders are enforced by non-state actors like IPOB, the governor may take measures to restore normalcy. Some state market laws also allow the government to regulate business hours in public markets. However, Udebunu maintained that shutting down markets as direct punishment for not opening has a weak legal foundation in a democratic system.
Potential Legal Challenges and Broader Implications
The legal expert concluded that affected traders or market associations have the right to sue the state government to challenge such closures, as executive directives cannot override constitutional rights. This situation highlights the ongoing tension between government authority and individual rights in addressing security and economic challenges in southeast Nigeria.
In a related development, the Anambra State Parents-Teachers Association has reacted to the government's order forcing teachers and pupils to resume Monday classes or face salary cuts. While PTA chairman Augustine Iloma described the directive as a positive step, he questioned its practicality when banks, markets, and transport systems remain largely shut on Mondays due to security fears. Parents have expressed concerns about safety and logistics, indicating that many would be reluctant to send children to school until security improves and economic activities fully resume across the state.
