By DAYO ADESULU
A Lagos High Court has ordered Surulere LG to vacate and stop development on Deeper Life Bible Church’s land after a disputed demolition. The church seeks fair compensation and legal protection.
🛑 Court Grants Deeper Life Bible Church Full Access to Disputed Land
The Lagos High Court has issued a decisive order against the Surulere LG, compelling it to vacate a parcel of land owned by Deeper Life Bible Church at 36 Aina Street, Lawanson, Surulere.
Justice E.O. Ashade ruled that the church must be granted unrestricted access to the property, while further restraining the Surulere LG from undertaking any form of development on the land.
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🚓 Police Ordered to Protect Church Members
To prevent further confrontation or lawlessness, Justice Ashade instructed the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2, to provide adequate protection for church members and ensure lawful usage of the land until final resolution.
🔨 Background: Church Building Demolished Despite Pending Court Case
The court’s intervention follows a controversial demolition of the church building by Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and Surulere LG officials on May 27, 2024, even though a court case concerning the land was ongoing.
“Since 2007, we have worshipped here. But in January 2024, we were notified of the planned demolition despite the court process,” said Pastor Israel Adeagbo.
Just two days after the demolition, the Surulere LG reportedly began constructing commercial shops on the same land.
💰 N10 Million Offer Rejected as Inadequate Compensation
Legal counsel for the church, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Taiwo Kupolati, revealed that Surulere LG offered ₦10 million as full and final compensation. However, this offer was rejected as it did not reflect a fair market valuation of the demolished church building and land.
“We responded asking for a joint valuation with the LG’s and our own valuers. We also suggested the possibility of being relocated to another site within the same community,” Kupolati explained.
🤝 Failed Mediation and Legal Fallout
Efforts to mediate through the Christian Association of Nigeria and the Nigeria Police Force fell apart after the local government stopped communicating. Kupolati confirmed that the council filed for an extension of time to enter its defence, signaling a retreat from amicable settlement.
“Despite our peaceful approach, they repaid us with silence and disregard,” he said.
⚖️ Court’s Final Interim Decision
The Lagos High Court granted all of the church’s key prayers:
- Restoration of access to the land
- Prohibition of any development by Surulere LG
- Ongoing police protection for members
- Legal control of the property retained by Deeper Life Bible Church until final judgment
Justice Ashade added that while both parties are still free to pursue dialogue, any further violation of the court order would not be tolerated.
🗣️ State Government Denies Involvement
Meanwhile, Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, distanced the Sanwo-Olu administration from the demolition.
“This was not ordered by the state government. It was a local government matter,” he said. “We respect the Deeper Life Church and are working through the Special Adviser on Christian Religious Matters to address this.”
🧾 Church Seeks Proper Valuation or Relocation
In addition to the court victory, Deeper Life is still seeking a comprehensive valuation of the property or relocation to a comparable plot within the same community. Kupolati emphasized that the church is committed to legal and peaceful resolution.
📌 Summary of Key Developments
| Issue | Status |
|---|---|
| Church Demolition | Executed by LASBCA on May 27 |
| Court Order | Favors Deeper Life, prohibits further LG action |
| Compensation Offered | ₦10 million (rejected) |
| Alternative Demands | Joint valuation or relocation |
| Current Access | Restored by court ruling |
| Police Protection | Ordered for church members |
| State Involvement | Denied by Lagos Commissioner |
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