A group of aggrieved traders in Eke Awka Market has formally petitioned Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Charles Soludo, seeking his intervention over what they described as the prolonged and unlawful leadership of the market by its chairman, Mr. Emeka Jude Agumadu, popularly known as “Baby Awka.”
In a petition dated May 8, 2026, and received by the Governor’s Office, the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, and the Ministry of Trade and Commerce on May 13, 2026, the traders expressed concerns over the continued leadership of Agumadu, alleging that he has remained in office for about 14 years.
According to the petitioners, Agumadu initially emerged as Chairman of a Caretaker Committee during the administration of former Governor Peter Obi in 2013 before subsequently becoming the elected chairman. They argued that he has continued to occupy the position without any clear succession plan or transition to a new democratically elected leadership.
The traders alleged that fear of intimidation and attacks by individuals allegedly loyal to the chairman discouraged them from organizing public protests against the situation. They further claimed that some traders have been subjected to unlawful levies and extortion despite government directives against such practices.
The petition also accused the market leadership of making claims that Governor Soludo had granted approval for the chairman to remain in office indefinitely or until he personally decides to step aside.
Additionally, the traders raised concerns over alleged unauthorized structural developments within the market. They claimed that several original ground-floor shops had been converted into multi-storey plazas without obtaining the necessary approvals from relevant government agencies. They further alleged that some of these structures have experienced repeated structural failures.
The petitioners also alleged that available spaces within the market, including the popular Eke Awka Market garage, had been occupied by illegal structures which were subsequently allocated or sold with the alleged collaboration of past and present local government authorities.
Consequently, the traders appealed to Governor Soludo to intervene by dissolving the current market leadership, constituting a caretaker committee drawn from concerned traders, and taking any additional measures deemed necessary to restore transparency, accountability, and effective administration in the market.
The petition was signed by representatives of the aggrieved traders, including Ugochukwu Nwachukwu, Onwurah Kenneth, Onyialor Donatus, Okwuka Michael, and Ogaraku Justina C.
As of the time of filing this report, there has been no official response from the Anambra State Government or the Eke Awka Market leadership regarding the allegations contained in the petition.
