By Nkechinyere Ewa-Okpara
The Executive Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area in Ebonyi State, Prince Ikechukwu Odono, has defended his decision to demolish an illegally constructed warehouse situated dangerously close to the Abakaliki-Enugu expressway in Ezzangbo.
The warehouse, which reportedly sprang up overnight, was erected without any form of approval from either the Ohaukwu Town Planning Authority or the Ebonyi State Ministry of Capital City Development.
Speaking to journalists, Prince Odono expressed shock at the sudden appearance of the massive structure.
“I was shocked when I saw a massive structure springing up beside the road,” he said. “I alerted the Town Planning Unit, but they were unaware. Later, the builder claimed the Commissioner for Capital City approved, but the Commissioner denied it. There was no approval—none from Capital City, none from the local government.”
The chairman highlighted the safety hazards posed by the building’s location, noting that the structure lacked a designated parking space for trailers or heavy-duty vehicles. “If a trailer has to stop on the road to offload, that’s a disaster waiting to happen. Public safety must come first,” he warned.
Prince Odono also revealed that the land in question belongs to the Ogboekirigwe family, who stated that they only leased it for temporary use and did not authorise any permanent construction.
In a further twist, the chairman disclosed that the developer attempted to resolve the matter through unofficial channels. “He even came with an envelope, probably to lobby. I rejected it. We’re not interested in kola. Just follow the law,” he said firmly.
Following the violations, the local government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Capital City Development, marked the warehouse for demolition and supervised the exercise to its completion.
Prince Odono also announced plans to convene a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at curbing the surge in illegal constructions within the area. “We won’t fold our arms and allow unapproved buildings to endanger our people,” he declared.
His decisive action has since drawn praise from residents, who commended the council for prioritising public safety and maintaining urban order along one of the state’s busiest transport corridors.