An Anambra businessman, Mr. Okechukwu Ayika, is demanding answers and seeking the intervention of Governor Chukwuma Soludo after agents of the state government demolished parts of his property in Onitsha.
The property, located at Trans-Nkissi Phase 1, along Onitsha-Otuocha Road, housed an Oando Filling Station and Gas Plants. Ayika, managing director of Chris-tee Investment, insists he has all the necessary approvals from the state government, including a Certificate of Occupancy dating back to 1992 (originally allocated to another party) and acquired by him in 2012.
Expressing his worries to journalists on Wednesday, Ayika highlighted the potential environmental impact of the demolition. He also revealed that he had already petitioned the Anambra State Ministry of Land and the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) to intervene.
Ayika claims the demolition, carried out on February 15, 2024, was heavy-handed. He alleges that the government agents destroyed goods stored in a warehouse on the property and carted away debris, including the destroyed goods.
The businessman contends that the Local Government boss, rather than following due process in court (a hearing was scheduled for March 5 but allegedly ignored by the council), resorted to intimidation tactics.
Ayika’s case highlights a wider issue of property rights and potential heavy-handedness by some local government authorities in Anambra. Governor Soludo is under pressure to address the situation and ensure due process is followed in resolving land disputes.
