The Executive Chairman of Ohaukwu Local Government Area in Ebonyi State, Prince Ikechukwu Odono, has explained why he ordered the demolition of an illegally constructed warehouse dangerously close to the Abakaliki-Enugu expressway in Ezzangbo.
The structure, which reportedly sprang up overnight, was built without any form of approval from either the Ohaukwu Town Planning Authority or the Ebonyi State Ministry of Capital City Development.
According to the Chairman, the developer ignored repeated warnings and even went ahead to complete roofing the building while he was out of town.
“I was shocked when I saw a massive structure springing up beside the road,” Odono told journalists.
“I alerted the Town Planning Unit, but they were unaware. Later, the builder claimed the Commissioner for Capital City gave approval, but the Commissioner denied it. There was no approval—none from Capital City, none from the local government.”
Odono raised serious concerns about the location of the warehouse, which lacks designated parking space for heavy-duty vehicles. He noted that its proximity to the expressway posed a major safety hazard to commuters.
“If a trailer has to stop on the road to offload, that’s a disaster waiting to happen. Public safety must come first,” he emphasized.
The Chairman further revealed that the land in question belongs to the Ogboekirigwe family, who clarified that they only leased it out for temporary use and never gave consent for permanent construction.
Adding to the controversy, Odono disclosed that the developer attempted to “settle” the matter through unofficial means.
“He even came with an envelope, probably to lobby. I rejected it. We’re not interested in kola. Just follow the law,” he stated firmly.
Following the violations, the local government in partnership with the Ministry of Capital City marked the warehouse for demolition and supervised the exercise to completion.
Prince Odono also announced plans for a stakeholders’ meeting aimed at curbing the rise of illegal constructions in the area. “We won’t fold our arms and allow unapproved buildings to endanger our people,” he warned.
The Chairman’s action has since drawn commendation from residents who praised the decisive step in preserving urban order and public safety along one of the state’s busiest transport corridors.
