“Anambra Governor Soludo Faces Lawsuit Over Afor Nnobi Market Demolition Plan – Activist Vows Legal Action”
By Springnewsng Media Limited | March 28, 2025
A human rights activist, Chief Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo, has vowed to take Governor Chukwuma Soludo to court over plans to demolish Afor Nnobi Market in Anambra State.Governor Chukwuma Soludo to court over plans to demolish Afor Nnobi Markethttp://Governor Chukwuma Soludo to court over plans to demolish Afor Nnobi Market
Okonkwo accused the Governor of pushing for the market’s demolition to advance his own interests, alleging that Soludo aims to shift commercial activities from Afor Nnobi to Ekwulobia Market in his hometown.
“This move is not in the public interest but rather serves his parochial agenda,” Okonkwo stated in a press release on Thursday.
Recalling a past legal battle with the Anambra State government in 1996, Okonkwo emphasized that a court ruling had recognized Afor Nnobi as a traditional market. He criticized the Governor’s approach, arguing that proper assessments should be conducted before any demolition.
“Before demolishing the market, estate surveyors should assess its value instead of simply asking traders to relocate,” he insisted.
Okonkwo also expressed concerns about the economic impact of the demolition, highlighting that thousands of people depend on the market for their livelihood. He accused Soludo of ignoring the welfare of the masses, which, according to him, contradicts the Nigerian Constitution’s mandate that government must prioritize the security and welfare of the people.
The activist demanded transparency regarding the proposed project, questioning its approval process and compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act. He called for the release of details on the consultants, design, engineers, and contractors involved.
His legal challenge follows a recent meeting between Nnobi community stakeholders and state government representatives, where the relocation plan was announced.
Legal History and Constitutional Arguments
Okonkwo recalled that in 1996, he had legally challenged the government’s attempt to take over Afor Nnobi Market and won. He cited case number FHC/AN/5/95 at the Federal High Court in Enugu, where he acted under a Power of Attorney granted by the late HRH Igwe E. Ezeokoli II.
The court, he said, had ruled that Afor Nnobi is a traditional market and not the property of the Nnobi Welfare Organization (NWO), meaning the government had no legal grounds to seize it.
“Nobody appealed the judgment. The Igwe handed the market to me, and I returned it to the community. Now, the Anambra State Government cannot come through the backdoor to relocate the market under the pretense of constructing a dual carriageway,” Okonkwo declared.
He challenged Governor Soludo to show proof of budgetary allocations for the road construction and trader compensation in the 2025 Anambra State Budget.
“Who are the consultants for the road project? Where is the road design? Who are the engineers? Where is the environmental impact assessment report? Who is the contractor?” he asked.
Okonkwo further argued that since the road is a Trunk B Road, the state government must have approval from the Federal Executive Council (FEC) through the Federal Ministry of Works before proceeding with the project.
According to him, awarding such a contract without proper funding violates the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
“Soludo and the contractors are liable for damages because we are suing them for wasting our money,” he warned.
Beyond the legal aspects, Okonkwo cited the Fourth Schedule of the 1999 Constitution, which assigns the responsibility of market establishment and maintenance to Local Government Councils, not states or communities.
Concluding his statement, Okonkwo expressed his frustration with Soludo’s administration, saying:
“We have endured three and a half years of his deceptive administration, and we are going to flush him out of Government House.”
