Onitsha Market Demolition Proceeds Amid Court Order Dispute
Demolition of illegal structures at Onitsha Main Market in Anambra State commenced on Sunday, a move by the Onitsha North Local Government Council to enforce the market’s original master plan. The action follows a February 26 notice to affected traders and occupants, which stated that a grace period for voluntary removal had expired.
The local government authority, led by Chairman Anthony Nwora, said the operation targets unauthorized constructions in Parks 1, 2, and 3 of the sprawling market. The stated objective is to restore order, reduce congestion, and facilitate seamless commercial activities in one of southeastern Nigeria’s largest trading hubs.
However, the demolition occurs against the backdrop of a high court injunction. Last week, Justice Joseph Nweze of the Anambra State High Court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo and refrain from “self-help,” adjourning the substantive matter to March 16. Traders affected by Sunday’s demolition allege the government disregarded this court order.
“The government did not obey the court order which restrained it from demolishing our stores,” said a representative of the affected traders.
The state government has denied knowledge of any such injunction. Anambra Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, stated that the demolition is being carried out solely by the Onitsha North Local Government Council, not the state government. “The state government is not aware of any court injunction restraining it,” he said, adding that the state executive is not conducting any demolition in Onitsha.
This jurisdictional distinction between the local authority and the state government, led by Governor Chukwuma Soludo who previously endorsed the master plan restoration, adds a layer of complexity to the dispute. The governor had linked the removal of illegal structures to revitalizing the market’s economic potential.
The standoff pits urban planning enforcement against a pending legal challenge, creating uncertainty for thousands of traders. The court’s March 16 hearing will determine whether the demolition can continue or be halted pending a full review. For now, the physical transformation of parts of the historic market proceeds, while legal arguments over its legality unfold.
