By Maduka Nweke
The Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Sulaiman Bamidele Yusuf, has been ordered by a Lagos High Court to appear before the court on June 30, 2025, to explain the recent demolition of a church within the Surulere area of Lagos. The court’s summons follows public outcry over the demolition of the Deeper Life Bible Church, located at 36 Aina Street, Lawanson, Surulere, which many have described as illegal and unlawful.
The church has maintained possession of the property since 2007. However, in January 2024, Surulere Local Government served a notice expressing its intention to evict the church to clear the site for the construction of a modern market. In response, the church promptly challenged the local government’s action in court, asserting its ownership rights and seeking an injunction to prevent the demolition.
“We will not be intimidated by the actions of the Surulere Local Government. We have a valid court order, and we expect it to be respected,” a representative of the church confidently stated.
Despite this court order restraining the local government from proceeding with any demolition, Surulere Local Government, under the leadership of Chairman Yusuf, went ahead to demolish the church’s fence on May 27, 2024. Even more controversially, the entire church premises were demolished almost a year later on May 26, 2025.
“This demolition is a clear case of executive lawlessness and disregard for the judiciary. We condemn it in the strongest possible terms,” declared the church’s counsel, Nojim Tairu, condemning the local government’s actions.
Following these developments, Justice E. O. Ashade subsequently issued an order restoring the church’s possession of the property, pending the final determination of the case. The court also ordered that Chairman Yusuf, along with the head of administration, legal officer, and other relevant management staff of Surulere Local Government, appear before it to explain why they should not be held in contempt for their actions.
“We are confident that the court will uphold the rule of law and protect our rights as a church. We will pursue this matter to its logical conclusion,” a spokesperson for the church assured.
An anonymous bystander, speaking on condition of anonymity, highlighted that this demolition is not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern of attacks against places of worship by government agencies in Lagos State.
“There appears to be a systematic pattern of attacks against the Church via desecration and demolition of her places of worship by Lagos State Government agencies,” the source said. She pointed to previous demolitions such as the Yaba Church, torn down by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) on June 5, 2021; Olorunishola Church in Ayobo, demolished by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) on July 5, 2024; and now the Lawanson Church demolished by Surulere Local Government.
“These cases highlight the ongoing struggles between government agencies and private property owners in Lagos, with serious concerns about the respect for the rule of law and protection of property rights,” she added.
The situation raises urgent questions about the balance between urban development and protection of private and religious property rights, as well as the need for transparent and lawful procedures in land management across Lagos State.
Leave a comment