The traders made the appeal at a news conference in Abuja on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, saying the disagreement had disrupted business activities and caused financial losses. They called on the police and relevant government authorities to help resolve the matter through dialogue and lawful investigation.

Speaking on behalf of the association, Chief Okey Muojekwu said the dispute had continued for about two years. He disclosed that a plaza where some members operated their businesses was demolished in 2025, leaving affected traders concerned about their investments and the ownership documents relating to the property.

Muojekwu urged the relevant authorities to examine the available records and establish the facts surrounding the ownership dispute. He also called for appropriate action on reported security incidents connected to the disagreement.

The association’s chairman, Tochukwu Umeh, said the crisis was also linked to the Anambra State Government’s decision to remove some market leaders. According to him, those affected questioned the decision on the grounds that they had been elected by market members.

Umeh said the disagreement had complicated the administration of the market and strained relations among traders. He maintained that the concerns surrounding the leadership change needed to be addressed to restore stability.

A market patron, Onyeka Oguejiofor, said traders were also concerned about shop occupancy and the procedures followed in changing the market’s leadership. He disclosed that the association had approached the Commissioner of Police, the Police Public Relations Officer and relevant market officials to seek intervention.

Oguejiofor added that the traders had contacted government officials responsible for trade and commerce in an effort to find a lasting solution.

The traders urged the police to investigate the issues raised and facilitate a peaceful resolution while ensuring that the rights of all parties were respected. They also called on the Anambra State Government to help address the leadership dispute and other outstanding concerns.

The appeal comes amid continuing disagreements over the management of market associations and the ownership of commercial properties in Onitsha. The traders said they hoped the intervention of the relevant authorities would end the prolonged dispute and allow members to resume their businesses without disruption.

The allegations and competing claims surrounding the dispute have not been independently established, and the appeal for intervention does not itself determine ownership of the property or the legitimacy of the contested leadership decisions.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia