Title: Court Halts Planned Demolition of Onitsha Main Market, Orders Status Quo Date Published: 28 February 2026 Description: The High Court of Anambra State has restrained Governor Charles Soludo from proceeding with the proposed demolition of the Onitsha Main Market, pending the determination of a substantive suit filed by affected traders.Governor Soludo had recently disclosed plans to clear parts of the market, describing its condition as dilapidated and no longer attractive to traders and customers. He said a “painful” demolition exercise was being considered to enable reconstruction of the market to international standards, citing Taiwan as a model.Troubled by the announcement, traders operating in the Human Fence Zone One Line of the market approached the court, warning that the proposed demolition would result in severe economic hardship and significant financial losses.In a ruling delivered by Justice J. I. Nweze, the court ordered all parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit, which has been fixed for March 16.Some of the affected traders told journalists that any demolition at this time would further strain their livelihoods amid prevailing economic challenges, urging the government to explore less disruptive options.The United Igbo Elders Council also appealed to the governor to reconsider the plan, proposing alternatives such as the construction of extension markets or the relocation of specific sections instead of a total demolition.The group further called on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to ensure that security agencies are not drawn into the dispute, describing the Onitsha Main Market as a national economic asset that should not be subjected to arbitrary action.A trader and resident, Jude Nwafor, cautioned that any hasty demolition could destabilise the improving security situation in the state.Several traders welcomed the court’s order, describing it as a reaffirmation of the rule of law and a safeguard for their rights and livelihoods. Attached Images: c70ecae1b30ad47ea14420685f21492bf2f8294b7f7e353d63fdd3ce44d9ae48.jpg, dc916f58283db02f3621a2a386b25578a50275530e621f94607f2e4112126170.jpg Attached Video: None