Controversy has surrounded the allocation of shops at the Agbedo Motor Parts Market in Nnewi, Anambra State, with stakeholders questioning the whereabouts of more than ₦4bn reportedly generated from the exercise.

A prominent Nnewi businessman alleged that the money realised from the allocation was misappropriated, describing it as political patronage. However, the market chairman, Kennedy Oguaju, dismissed the allegation as unsubstantiated, insisting that the project was a private initiative financed by traders, executed by a contractor appointed by the market committee.

The Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area, Echezona Anazodo, also denied involvement in the allocation, saying neither he nor the council collected or managed funds connected to the project.

Anazodo said the local government was aware of the development, facilitated its implementation, provided security, created an enabling environment for the project. He urged members of the public to verify the claims by speaking with those directly involved.

The council chairman maintained that the Agbedo Motor Parts Market was a private arrangement between the market stakeholders, who own the property, the contractor engaged by the market committee.