Anambra Government Clarifies Demolition of Innoson Showroom, Says Due Process Was Followed

Anambra Government Clarifies Demolition of Innoson Showroom, Says Due Process Was Followed

The Anambra State Government has debunked widespread reports suggesting illegality in the partial demolition of the Innoson Motors Showroom in Nnewi, affirming that all affected parties were duly notified since 2024 in line with legal and administrative processes.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, the government emphasized that the action was part of a broader enforcement of the Federal Government’s Right-of-Way (ROW) policy along the Nnewi-Ozubulu-Onitsha federal highway. He noted that a stakeholders' meeting was convened on October 31, 2024, with all concerned parties properly invited and informed.

“There is no instance under the Soludo administration where demolition or removal of structures was carried out without proper consultation and adherence to due process,” Mefor said.

He confirmed that the property in question, which housed the Innoson showroom, was listed as ASML/AOA/NW/L/066 in official records and registered under the name of Mrs. Eucharia Alaru. The demolition was part of a comprehensive enforcement exercise anchored on the Federal Highway Act of 1971, which prohibits construction within 45.72 meters of the centerline of any federal highway.

Dr. Mefor disclosed that the Chairman of Innoson Group, Dr. Innocent Chukwuma, was aware of the notice and even discussed the matter with stakeholders and the governor over three months ago.

“We acknowledge the status of Innoson in society, but the law does not permit selective enforcement. We cannot have one rule for Innoson and another for others,” he asserted.

The Commissioner also dismissed allegations of political bias and selective demolition, revealing that other high-profile properties, including those belonging to the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, his wife and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Iyom Bianca Ojukwu, religious institutions, and numerous other structures were similarly affected.

He insisted that the exercise was a necessary step to safeguard lives and ensure seamless vehicular movement across the state, in line with the government’s vision of a livable and prosperous Anambra.

Mefor described recent criticisms as deliberate misinformation by paid content creators bent on discrediting the achievements of the Soludo-led administration.

“The narrative is false and politically motivated. Governor Soludo remains a firm supporter of indigenous enterprises. He remains the first and only governor to adopt Innoson vehicles as his official fleet—a testament to his commitment to promoting local content,” Mefor concluded.

He reiterated that Anambra’s development can only thrive under the rule of law, with no exceptions granted to powerful individuals or interests.