Soludo Drops Bombshell: Threatens to Revoke Onitsha Main Market Over Sit-at-Home, Orders Mayors to Seal Defiant Shops

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, has issued one of his toughest warnings yet to traders in the state, declaring that he has full constitutional powers to revoke the premises of all markets, including the iconic Onitsha Main Market, if sit-at-home disobedience continues.

Speaking on Thursday at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Awka, during a crucial meeting with leaders of the Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders Association (ASMATA), Soludo made it clear that the era of business sabotage under the guise of fear and insecurity must end.

According to the governor, market lands can legally be reclaimed for overriding public interest, stressing that the government could convert the spaces into modern schools, security formations, or other public infrastructure if traders refuse to cooperate with government directives.

In a blunt warning that stunned market leaders, Soludo said that revocation of market land is lawful, adding that affected landowners would only be entitled to compensation-not reversal of government action.

"If anyone is dissatisfied with the compensation paid, they can go to court to challenge the amount, not the revocation,ÔÇØ the governor said.

The governor specifically cited Onitsha Main Market, describing its current state as unbefitting of its status as West Africa's largest market, noting that it is overwhelmed by shanties and illegal structures.

As part of immediate enforcement measures, Soludo directed all local government mayors to begin monitoring market activities by 10am on every market day, including Mondays, which have been repeatedly affected by sit-at-home compliance.

Shops found locked will face fines, permanent closure, or outright revocation, the governor warned.

He, however, assured traders that the government would deploy adequate security in and around markets to restore confidence and eliminate fear-driven closures.

Soludo revealed that the state government already has a redesign plan for Onitsha Main Market, which will transform it into a modern commercial hub with world-class facilities.

He said the project was temporarily shelved due to the absence of relocation spaces for traders, but emphasized that the modernization plan remains alive and imminent.

"All these efforts are for the best interest of the traders, our children, and our grandchildren,ÔÇØ he added.

In a decisive move, Soludo summoned all Onitsha Main Market leaders to an emergency roundtable meeting scheduled for Friday, January 30, at 11am, at the Light House, New Government House, Awka.

The meeting will determine whether the market will be fully reopened or temporarily shut down to allow reconstruction and modernization to begin.