Femi FalanaOver 100 homes reportedly destroyed despite restraining order; residents left homeless in midnight operation
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has accused the Lagos State Government of brazenly violating a subsisting court order by demolishing more than 100 properties in the Oworonshoki area of the state. The demolition, he said, occurred despite a restraining order issued by the Lagos State High Court to halt any further destruction of properties within the affected community.
According to Falana, the government’s action represents a blatant act of contempt and a disregard for the rule of law, leaving numerous families displaced and their properties destroyed. In a statement released on Sunday, he described the demolition as a “flagrant breach and contempt of a subsisting court order,” noting that the operation was carried out even after the government had been duly served with the injunction.
Justice Adegboyega Balogun of the Lagos State High Court had, on Thursday, issued an interim order restraining the state government, its agents, and contractors from carrying out further demolitions or creating third-party interests over properties located on Ojileru Street, Ososa Extension, and Toluwalase Street within the Itesiwaju Ajumoni Community Development Area (CDA) of Oworonshoki. The order followed complaints by affected residents who said they had not received any form of compensation.
Despite the court’s directive, Falana alleged that the Lagos authorities, accompanied by over 50 armed policemen and thugs, launched a fresh round of demolitions under the cover of darkness. He claimed that teargas was fired throughout the night to disperse protesting residents before bulldozers began pulling down the buildings.
“The demolition, which was carried out in the dead of the night, has led to the destruction of not less than 100 properties, with many families displaced. The action of the demolition squad was not authorised by any court,” Falana stated.
He likened the government’s conduct to the infamous case of The Military Governor of Lagos State & Ors. v. Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu & Anor. (1986) 2 NWLR (PT 18) 621, in which the Supreme Court condemned the Lagos State Government for defying a court order and resorting to self-help. Falana noted that even during a military regime, the nation’s apex court had upheld the supremacy of the rule of law and warned against the abuse of power by public authorities.
“The action of the demolition squad is a sad reminder of the aggravated contempt committed by the Lagos State Government 39 years ago,” Falana said, stressing that the latest episode demonstrates a persistent pattern of official disregard for judicial authority.
The senior lawyer further expressed concern over the growing trend of state-led demolitions across Nigeria without adequate legal process or compensation to affected residents. He called on the Lagos State Government to respect the authority of the court and immediately provide relief to displaced families.
As of press time, the Lagos State Government has not issued an official response to Falana’s allegations or clarified whether the demolitions were sanctioned by any valid legal directive. Meanwhile, the affected residents of Oworonshoki continue to count their losses as the ruins of their homes and livelihoods lie in the aftermath of the controversial operation.
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