Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has sparked fresh conversations across Nigeria after stating that his administration has the legal power to revoke the land occupied by the popular Onitsha Main Market if it is deemed necessary for public interest.

The governor made the remark while addressing market leaders and stakeholders amid rising tension over the continued observance of the Monday sit-at-home shutdown in parts of the South-East. According to Soludo, the state government could even decide to repurpose the market land for projects such as a modern school or security offices if the situation persists.

Why Soludo Made the Statement

Soludo’s comments did not come out of nowhere. They followed weeks of frustration over the economic disruption caused by sit-at-home compliance, especially in Onitsha, one of the biggest commercial centres in West Africa.

For years, Mondays have become uncertain business days in parts of the region due to the sit-at-home protest originally linked to agitation for the release of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu. Although IPOB has, at different times, denied enforcing the shutdown, fear and insecurity have continued to keep many traders indoors.

Governor Soludo has repeatedly described the weekly closures as a serious threat to Anambra’s economy, arguing that no state can develop when businesses, schools, and markets are forced to shut down regularly.

In response to the continued shutdown of the Onitsha Main Market, despite government assurances of improved security, Soludo recently ordered the temporary closure of the market. The move was meant to send a strong message that economic life in the state must return to normal.

During his meeting with traders, the governor stressed that the Land Use Act grants the government authority to revoke land for overriding public interest, adding that compensation would follow due process if such action ever became necessary.

IPOB Reaction and Public Tension

Soludo’s warning has drawn sharp criticism from The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which accused the governor of making provocative statements instead of addressing the deeper political and security concerns in the region.

The situation has also triggered reactions from lawmakers and civil groups, with some urging caution and dialogue rather than threats that could worsen tensions.

Meanwhile, reports of protests and demonstrations in Onitsha have emerged as residents and traders express anxiety over the future of their livelihoods.

Soludo’s stance highlights the ongoing struggle between restoring economic stability and addressing the complex security and political challenges behind sit-at-home compliance.

For many traders, the priority remains safety. For the government, the focus is reopening the economy. As both sides speak out, the Onitsha Main Market continues to sit at the centre of a larger regional crisis.