Falana Condemns Lagos Govt Over Oworonshoki Demolitions

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has accused the Lagos State Government of contempt of court after over 100 houses were demolished in Oworonshoki, Lagos, despite an existing court injunction.

In a statement on Sunday, Falana said that on October 23, Justice A.G. Balogun of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, issued an injunction restraining the Lagos State Government, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, and the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) from demolishing properties on Ajileru Street, Ososa Extension, and Toluwalase Extension in the Itesiwaju Ajumoni Community. The injunction was issued pending compliance with pre-action protocols under the High Court of Lagos State Practice Direction No. 2 of 1999.

Falana noted that the court order was served on the government and relevant agencies on October 24, yet the authorities allegedly mobilized over 50 armed policemen and demolition operatives to the area. Residents reportedly faced teargas attacks before the demolition continued, resulting in the destruction of more than 100 buildings and the displacement of numerous families.

“The demolition, carried out in the dead of night, is reminiscent of past instances of government defiance of court orders,” Falana said, referencing the Supreme Court’s condemnation of such actions during the military era. He stressed that “once a dispute is brought before the court, it is the government’s duty to allow the judicial process to run its full course.”

Civil rights group, Take It Back Movement, condemned the government’s actions, alleging that thugs and Task Force officers attacked residents during the demolition. The group posted a video showing a man injured with blood covering his face, claiming he was attacked while in his home.

The controversy comes amid Lagos State’s recent urban regeneration efforts, during which the government compensated 79 Oworo community residents. However, allegations have surfaced that some beneficiaries were not actual victims of the demolitions. Social media users claim that cheques were distributed to individuals loyal to the local Oba rather than affected residents.