Onitsha market: Soludo defies court order, begins demolition today
Onitsha market: Soludo defies court order, begins demolition today.
By Sylvanus Viashima
Anambra State Governor Charles Soludo is set to commence the demolition of Onitsha main market on sunday, 1st March, 2026 despite a court order that earlier restrained him from any further action.
Keen watchers of the development said the governor actions are in clear disregard of court orders and an affront on the nation’s judiciary.
It would be recalled that the High Court of Anambra state had directed all parties in the suit before it to maintain the status quo.
The court had asked parties to wait for the fixed date in March when the case will be heard.
Traders Association had lamented the inhumanity of Soludo’s harsh order for demolish. They said the order will cause more hardship for the traders whose business can not withstand the government planned restructuring.
Read Also: Frontline troops host journalists for Ramadan Iftar
They suggested other methods to the government if it intends to give the market an upgrade.
Consequently, a memo from the Mayor of Onitsha had indicated that traders were to be given another week of grace before the demolitions.
But in a surprise move, there are now indications that the demolitions may start on Sunday, 1st March, 2026.
Raising alarms, some top traders are concerned that Soludo disregard to court order will rubbish the rule of law and President Bola Tinubu posture on the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.
The further noted that Soludo’s action is an abuse of the roles of the police and the military in civil matters.
