Anambra Governor Soludo’s Administration Faces Lawsuit Over Proposed Market Demolition
On March 27, 2025, a major legal and political storm brewed in Anambra State when human rights activist Chief Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo announced that he would be taking Governor Chukwuma Soludo to court over his administration’s proposed demolition of Afor Nnobi Market. The proposed demolition, part of the state’s plans to redevelop parts of Nnobi, has sparked outrage in the community, particularly due to concerns over the welfare of thousands of traders and residents who depend on the market for their livelihoods.
Okonkwo, a prominent human rights activist and a native of Nnobi, has vowed to take the matter to court, accusing Governor Soludo of attempting to destroy the market for personal and political gains. According to Okonkwo, the Governor’s decision to demolish Afor Nnobi Market is part of a larger scheme to shift commercial activities from the current market to Ekwulobia Market, which is closer to Soludo’s hometown. Okonkwo contends that this move is not in the public interest, but instead serves the Governor’s personal and parochial interests.
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Okonkwo’s legal battle with the Anambra State government dates back to 1996, when he was involved in a landmark court case against the government during the military regime of Colonel Mike Attah. In that case, Okonkwo successfully fought to have Afor Nnobi Market declared a traditional market, and the ruling held that the market could not be arbitrarily seized or relocated by the government.
This history of legal action is central to Okonkwo’s current claims. He insists that Afor Nnobi Market is not just a commercial space, but also a culturally and historically significant site for the people of Nnobi. As the custodian of the market, having been granted power of attorney by the late Igwe E. Ezeokoli II, Okonkwo sees himself as the protector of the market’s legacy and its future.
In his statement, Okonkwo recounted the details of his previous legal battle, highlighting the court’s judgment in 1996, which confirmed that Afor Nnobi Market was a traditional market. According to Okonkwo, this ruling ensured that the market could not be easily moved or demolished without proper legal processes. He stressed that, under the Constitution, any attempt to relocate or demolish the market must follow due process, including assessments by estate surveyors and proper compensation to those affected.
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At the heart of Okonkwo’s lawsuit is the claim that Governor Soludo’s administration is prioritizing its own agenda over the welfare of the people. The government’s plan to demolish Afor Nnobi Market, according to Okonkwo, is part of an effort to redirect commercial activities to Ekwulobia Market, a project he claims benefits Soludo’s personal interests. Ekwulobia, located closer to the Governor’s hometown, is seen by Okonkwo as a site where Soludo stands to gain politically and economically.
Okonkwo further criticized Soludo for what he described as a lack of transparency surrounding the proposed market demolition. He demands that the government provide full details about the demolition project, including information on the consultants involved, the design and engineering plans for the new road, and the environmental impact assessment (EIA) report. According to Okonkwo, it is not enough for the government to announce that the market will be demolished; proper procedures and assessments should be in place, and the affected individuals must be fairly compensated.
Afor Nnobi Market serves as a major economic hub in the region, providing livelihoods for thousands of traders, artisans, and service providers. Okonkwo expressed his concern about the broader economic consequences of the proposed demolition, arguing that it would severely impact the livelihood of many families who depend on the market for their daily bread.
The activist also raised questions about the planning and budgeting for the project. Specifically, Okonkwo demanded to know whether provisions had been made in the 2025 state budget for both the construction of a dual carriageway and the compensation of those affected by the demolition. He insisted that before the market is demolished, the state government must conduct proper valuations of the market and its associated businesses, and ensure that appropriate compensation is provided.
Okonkwo also took issue with the perceived lack of accountability in the government’s decision-making process. He questioned whether the government had followed the necessary legal and fiscal protocols for awarding contracts and approving the project, including compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act. According to Okonkwo, the state government cannot be allowed to engage in such a significant public project without adhering to the laws that ensure transparency and fiscal responsibility.
Chief Okonkwo’s lawsuit is grounded in his belief that the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, protects communities and individuals from arbitrary actions by the state, particularly in relation to the seizure or demolition of property. According to Okonkwo, the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution lists the establishment and regulation of markets as one of the primary responsibilities of local governments, not state governments.
This constitutional provision forms the basis for Okonkwo’s argument that the state government cannot simply bulldoze Afor Nnobi Market without due consultation with local stakeholders and the provision of adequate compensation for those affected. He pointed out that the primary responsibility for regulating markets, including their establishment and maintenance, lies with local government councils. This means that the state government’s move to demolish the market and relocate it may not be entirely within the scope of its legal authority.
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In this regard, Okonkwo’s stance aligns with his broader critique of Governor Soludo’s administration. He believes that the Governor’s actions reflect a disregard for the legal frameworks that govern such matters and a failure to prioritize the welfare of the people, as required by the Nigerian Constitution. He further emphasized that, if the state government proceeds with the demolition without adhering to these legal obligations, it would be infringing on the rights of the people and violating constitutional guarantees.
Okonkwo’s accusations against Governor Soludo come amid ongoing political tensions in Anambra State. Governor Soludo, a former economist and central banker, has faced significant scrutiny since his election in 2021. While Soludo’s administration has undertaken a number of ambitious reforms aimed at modernizing the state, critics argue that his approach to governance has been overly technocratic and disconnected from the realities on the ground.
The Afor Nnobi Market demolition controversy has become a flashpoint in these broader criticisms of Soludo’s leadership. Okonkwo’s lawsuit adds to the mounting discontent with the Governor’s handling of key issues, including economic development, social welfare, and local governance. Many residents of Anambra State, particularly those from Nnobi, are questioning whether the Governor is acting in their best interests or whether his decisions are driven by personal gain.
Okonkwo’s criticisms of Soludo are not confined to the market demolition. He has accused the Governor of ignoring the needs of the people in favor of projects that benefit a select few, including his own political allies. Okonkwo’s statement that the people will “flush him out of Government House” is a clear indication of the growing discontent with the Soludo administration, which could potentially become a key issue in future elections.
As Okonkwo prepares to take his case to court, the future of Afor Nnobi Market and the proposed demolition project remains uncertain. The lawsuit is expected to prompt further legal and political debates about the Governor’s plans and the broader implications for Anambra State’s development.
The outcome of the legal proceedings will likely set important precedents regarding the power of state governments to engage in large-scale infrastructure projects that affect local markets and communities. If Okonkwo prevails in court, it could force the state government to rethink its approach and engage in more meaningful consultations with local stakeholders before undertaking such projects.
In the meantime, the controversy surrounding the Afor Nnobi Market demolition continues to dominate public discourse in Anambra. As the state government prepares to move forward with its plans, it remains to be seen whether the concerns raised by Okonkwo and others will be addressed or if the situation will escalate further.
The case also raises broader questions about governance, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria, particularly at the state and local levels. In an era where citizens are increasingly aware of their rights and are more willing to challenge government decisions in court, the outcome of this case may serve as a crucial test for the rule of law and the balance of power between the government and the people.
Source: SR