The process of demolishing illegal and unauthorised structures in Onitsha Main Market began as scheduled on Sunday morning, March 1, 2026, despite a court order restraining Governor Charles Soludo from proceeding with the demolition, pending the hearing of a substantive suit filed by affected traders.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
Traders reported panic over the weekend, with many packing out goods from marked shops ahead of the exercise, amid claims that demolition started early Sunday morning in some sections.
On February 27-28, 2026, Justice Joseph Ifeanyi Nweze of the Anambra State High Court restrained Governor Soludo from proceeding with the demolition of Onitsha Main Market sections, ordering all parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing of a substantive suit filed by affected traders under Human Fence Zone One Line.
The ruling, in response to a petition arguing severe hardship, financial losses, and livelihood threats, adjourned the main case to March 16, 2026.
However, despite the court directive, demolition of marked illegal shops reportedly commenced on Sunday morning.
“Demolition Commences Despite Court Order To Maintain Status Quo” — As Traders In Panic Evacuate Goods From Onitsha Main Market pic.twitter.com/hvYzc8uQz3
— The Nigeria Lawyer (@Nigerialawyers) March 1, 2026
Social media reports and local accounts described traders in distress, evacuating goods late Saturday night into Sunday due to fears of imminent action.
Some sources indicated partial demolition of marked illegal shops had started as at Sunday morning.
Governor Charles Soludo’s administration had targeted illegal encroachments, unauthorised attachments, and structures that had reduced parking spaces and contributed to the market’s deplorable state.
The move aimed to reclaim public spaces, restore order, improve safety, and modernise one of West Africa’s largest commercial hubs to international standards, with Taiwan cited as a benchmark.
Notices had emphasised that demolition would commence from March 1, 2026, after prior 14-day ultimatums and extensions, with affected occupants urged to vacate immediately.
The state insists the focus remains on illegal structures only, not the entire market.
Governor Soludo had met with affected traders prior to the exercise, expressing sympathy for the short-term pain while framing the remodelling as essential for long-term benefits, including better organisation and patronage revival.
The court directive had brought relief and jubilation to many traders, who hailed it as a reaffirmation of the rule of law.
Igbo elders, civil society groups, and stakeholders had appealed for alternatives like extensions, relocations, or wider consultations instead of outright demolition.
Some traders had even surprisingly advocated for complete rebuilding if it leads to a modernised market.
As of March 1, 2026, while targeted removal of illegal structures appears to have begun in line with government notices despite the court order, traders and observers await the March 16 hearing for clarity on the market’s future.
The situation underscores tensions between urban renewal ambitions and the economic realities of thousands of livelihoods dependent on the historic market, as well as questions about compliance with court orders.
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