Ozomagala leadership crisis:You are Sabotaging Soludo’s Regeneration Agenda — Onitsha South Scribe Tells SPAD on Market
Secretary to Onitsha local government area Mr Paul Onuachala
Interview with the Secretary of Onitsha South Local Government Area, Mr. Paul Onuachala: Enjoy the story
Q: What exactly is the issue with Modebe Enterprise Plaza or the Ozomagala Market?
A: Frankly, there is no issue. What you’re seeing is simply a case of competing interests. Modebe Enterprise Plaza, which is one of the oldest indigenous real estate companies in Onitsha South Local Government Area, has keyed into the urban regeneration agenda of Mr. Governor.
For that regeneration to happen, tenants , the traders need to align with the plan, which involves leasing existing plaza properties for 25 to 30 years. As a council, we are actively encouraging them to embrace this initiative. We provide expert guidance and ensure security to make the public-private partnership a success.
However, suddenly, interests began to emerge from Awka. First, the chairman of the plaza, Chief Obiora Okoro the man who brokered the lease agreement with Modebe was suspended. Not long after, the executive of the Ozomagala Market was dissolved. We formally wrote to the Special Adviser on Markets, advising him that he lacks the authority to interfere in a private property matter.
Our objective as a council is not only economic gain but urban beautification. If you visit the roundabout near Ochanja, you’ll understand the urgent need for a facelift. The only way to achieve this is by working with landlords such as Modebe. The actions of the Special Adviser are directly undermining the governor’s urban regeneration agenda. If Modebe were to pull out of the process, the Special Adviser would have no standing to act.
Q: Are you saying that without Modebe, there’s no one to suspend or control?
A: Exactly. Modebe owns the property , it’s a private estate. The government has no right to interfere in leadership or administrative matters of a private enterprise. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Markets, Chief Sir Everist Uba, clearly acted ultra vires , beyond his powers. As a local government, we are simply promoting such private-public arrangements. The leadership of a private market is governed strictly by lease agreements, not government directives. We merely helped broker the agreement and provided support in terms of security and expertise.
Q: There seems to be confusion about the market’s name — Ozomagana or Ozomagala. Which is correct?
A: The correct name is Ozomagala. The name “Ozomagana” was created during a court case, when some people wanted to bring in Tochukwu Umeh as a caretaker chairman. They registered “Ozomagana” with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and appointed themselves as members of the Board of Trustees a clear attempt to take over what they did not work for.
Q: Since this is a plaza and not a government market, what is Onitsha South doing to prevent future occurrences?
A: Our policy is to support any private establishment that aligns with Mr Governor” urban regeneration agenda. We assist them in every way possible — providing expertise, security, and guidance. Small and medium enterprises are the backbone of any economy. We have no business interfering unnecessarily.
Let it be clear: the property belongs to Modebe Enterprise Limited, not the government or the traders.
Q: So, what is your official position on the matter?
A: Our position is that the Special Adviser acted outside his legal bounds concerning Modebe Enterprise Plaza and the Ozomagala Plaza . We fully support the Obiora-led leadership at the plaza. You cannot simply show up and change the name of a property or market. That’s not how governance works.
Q: Has Onitsha South made any presentation to the Governor regarding the Special Adviser’s actions?
A: No, and we don’t intend to. This is a minor issue and does not warrant the Governor’s attention. He has more pressing concerns like the economy, state security, and his re-election campaign.
When they attempted to use the thugs to harass the market executive, we petitioned the Special Adviser on Community Security and copied the Attorney General. That was sufficient to stop them. There’s no need to burden the Governor with issues like this.
Q: Can you elaborate more on the urban regeneration agenda?
A: Absolutely. Our urban regeneration initiative in Onitsha South is focused on collaboration with reputable developers like Modebe Enterprise. Many such partnerships are ongoing. For example, if you visit the new plaza at Ochanja roundabout , built by Pillar Energy you’ll see what we’re aiming for.
When the Governor visited, he was pleased with the progress. We want more of these kinds of partnerships. Many inherited properties are dilapidated, and their owners often lack the means to renovate. So, we encourage 20–40-year lease agreements with private developers to modernize the area. It will also boost both state and local government revenues.
Q: one faction claims there’s a court order. Is the council aware?
A: Yes, we’re aware. The court issued an order restraining the police and others from interfering. That’s why they resorted to using local thugs . They know they can’t use the police due to the court’s judgment, which followed due process.
Q: What is your response to claims that Obiora’s tenure has expired?
A: If they believe his tenure has expired, they should lodge their complaint with the local government, not the Special Adviser. This tendency to bypass proper channels is becoming a serious problem. Matters meant for local police are taken to Zone 13 or directly to Awka. That’s wrong.
The state government is an appellate authority not the starting point. If there’s a dispute, it should first be reported at the local level and then escalated if necessary.
Q: Any final advice to the Special Adviser on Markets?
A: He should reconsider his actions. They are not only damaging his reputation but are also detrimental to the Governor’s regeneration agenda. When such matters arise, the first question should be whether the local government has been informed. If not, he should direct complainants to us.
Q: Given these developments, is Onitsha South planning to join the court case?
A: No, we’re not planning to join, but we may consider statutory interpretation of the law . We are not dragging anyone to court, but if a clear interpretation of the law is needed, we are ready. At the end of the day, if there’s a crisis in Onitsha South, the Governor will call the Mayor not the Special Adviser.
The Special Adviser represents the Governor, but he should not hijack responsibilities that lie with the local government. If this continues, it could derail the regeneration agenda.
Many of those running to Awka are not genuine traders. They are politicians with selfish interests. Genuine traders should approach the local government, not travel to Awka to manipulate policy. According to the Nigerian Constitution (Fourth Schedule) and the 2024 Anambra State Local Government Administration Law, local governments are empowered to regulate markets and motor parks.
Q: Who is the rightful chairman of the market?
A: Obiora remains the chairman recognized by the council. When his tenure expires, we’ll ensure a proper transition. The claims that his tenure has expired are baseless.
Q: They also allege that Obiora collected ₦180,000 from over 487 shops. Are you aware?
A: That matter is already in court, so I won’t comment , it is sub judice. They also alleged tax embezzlement, but we investigated with the Anambra State Board of Internal Revenue, which confirmed that all taxes were duly paid.
It’s clear there are ulterior motives behind these accusations. The real issue is the Modebe lease , they want to seize the opportunity without contributing to it.
Obiora has achieved a lot as chairman. What we’re seeing is an attempt to remove him and reap where they did not sow. He has remitted all government dues. Some of these so-called traders are known politicians who work for no one but themselves. They align with every government in power, just to exploit opportunities.
When someone dresses in chieftaincy attire and spends days loitering around government offices in Awka, is that person still a trader? True traders don’t have that kind of time. This behavior is not in the interest of the state or the party.
