By Our Reporter
The Ozomagana building Materials, Onitsha, Anambra state, has got a caretaker committee, with Hon Umeh Tochukwu as the chairman
However,it has been revealed that the former Chairman of the market,Mr Obiora Okolo is not in detention as being speculated by some my media outlets.
Stakeholders in the market have described the speculation as misleading and have clarified the circumstances behind such insinuations.
A section of traders operating under the banner of an Elders’ Forum had earlier accused the Nigeria Police Force, Special Investigation Unit (SIU), Abuja, of unlawfully detaining Mr. Obiora Okoro and called for the intervention of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun.
However, Razor sources within the market have confirmed that Mr. Okolo is no longer in detention, contrary to some claims, adding that what brought the speculation was when he was unable to meet up with his bail conditions
It was Further revealed that the controversy surrounding Mr. Okolo’s travails are beyond mere leadership disputes.
In addition,it was gathered that the former Chairman and his executive members had earlier been formally dissolved following unresolved administrative and governance concerns within the market union.
Subsequently, the Anambra State Government approved the inauguration of a caretaker committee to restore order and ensure proper coordination of market affairs, with Mr. Tochukwu Umeh appointed as chairman.
Despite the dissolution and the state government’s inauguration of caretaker committee, the former Chairman allegedly continued to parade himself as chairman, creating tension and division within the market community.
The crisis reportedly escalated when he allegedly supervised demolition of certain structures within the market without the consent of the duly inaugurated caretaker committee or the recognized landowners, the Modebe family.
During the demolition exercise, traders reportedly suffered losses as goods were said to have been destroyed.
One of the stakeholders,who preferred anonymity said,“The issue is not about rewriting any agreement as claimed in some reports. The former chairman had already been dissolved along with his executives.
“Government inaugurated a caretaker committee to restore order. He refused to comply and went ahead with demolition activities without approval.
There are also weighty allegations against him that cannot simply be ignored. Law enforcement was invited based on petitions, not for intimidation.”
“It is unfortunate that some outlets rushed to press without confirming whether he was still in detention or understanding the nature of the allegations.
“The public deserves balanced reporting, not sympathy-driven headlines,” another trader stated
Observers note that the dispute underscores the importance of respecting constituted authorities within market unions, adhering to due process, and allowing investigative agencies to carry out their responsibilities without undue sensationalism.
As the matter continues to unfold, stakeholders have called for calm, urging traders and members of the public to allow lawful processes to take their course in the interest of stability, justice, and sustained commercial activities in Ozomagana Market, Onitsha.
