Property Demolition: Lagos Government Flouted Court Order in Oworonsoki Demolition, Alleges Falana

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and respected human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, has leveled a serious accusation against the Lagos State Government, alleging that it illegally proceeded with the demolition of no fewer than 100 properties in the Oworonsoki area despite a clear and subsisting court order restraining such action.

The controversy stems from an interim order issued last Thursday by Justice Adegboyega Balogun of the Lagos State High Court. The judge granted the restraining order against the state government and its agents, prohibiting further demolitions or the creation of third-party interests over properties situated on Ojileru Street, Ososa Extension, and Toluwalase Street, all located within the Itesiwaju Ajumoni Community Development Area (CDA). This order followed complaints from affected residents who claimed they had received no compensation for their properties.

Dependable NG reports that in a forceful statement released on Sunday, Falana asserted that the recent demolition exercise was carried out in “flagrant breach and contempt” of the court’s authority, displacing numerous families. Falana detailed the alleged defiance, stating that immediately upon being served with the court order, the defendants mobilized over 50 armed policemen and thugs. These personnel reportedly fired teargas throughout the night to disperse residents protesting the demolition before proceeding to commence a fresh demolition operation.

The human rights lawyer stressed that the action, which was carried out in the dead of the night, resulted in the destruction of at least 100 properties and was not authorized by any court of law. Falana argued that the demolition squad’s conduct serves as a “sad reminder” of a significant case committed by the Lagos State Government 39 years ago: The Military Governor of Lagos State & Ors. v. Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu & Anor. (1986) 2 NWLR (PT 18) 621. He noted that in that celebrated case, the Supreme Court strongly condemned the Lagos State Government for defying a court order and resorting to self-help, setting a crucial precedent against the disregard for due process and the rule of law, even under a military regime.