Court Orders Surulere LG to Vacate Deeper Life Church Land
A Lagos High Court has issued a significant order directing the Surulere Local Government and its representatives to vacate a parcel of land belonging to the Deeper Life Bible Church, located at 36, Aina Street, Lawanson, Surulere. This ruling follows the demolition of the church's building on the site and subsequent failed negotiations for compensation.
Judicial Directives:
Justice E.O. Ashade of the Lagos High Court has explicitly ordered the Surulere Local Government and its agents to immediately vacate the disputed land. The court also issued an injunction prohibiting the council from undertaking any further development on the property. Crucially, the ruling grants members of the Deeper Life Bible Church "unfettered access" to use the property for worship and other religious activities. This interim order effectively restores the church to possession of the property pending the final determination of the substantive suit.
Background of the Dispute:
The conflict began when the church accused Lagos State agencies, including the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and Surulere Local Government officials, of demolishing its building on May 27, 2025. The Deeper Life Bible Church had occupied and worshipped at the location since 2007. In January 2024, the Surulere Local Government reportedly notified the church of its plans to remove the building to construct a modern market. The church claims the local government proceeded with the demolition despite a subsisting court order that had restrained such action, leading to a contempt of court charge against Surulere Local Government Chairman, Sulaiman Bamidele Yusuf. Attempts at peaceful settlement, even with police and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) intervention, failed. The church rejected a N10 million compensation offer, deeming it inadequate and lacking proper valuation for the land, demolished building, and other lost property.
Church's Stance and Demands:
The Deeper Life Bible Church is seeking "commensurate compensation" for the demolition, calling for a proper valuation of the property. As an alternative, the church has demanded relocation to another suitable land within the vicinity for its members to continue worship activities. The church has also sought protection for its members from harassment or intimidation while carrying out lawful activities on the land pending the resolution of the case, reportedly escalating the matter to the acting Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone Two. The church reiterated its commitment to pursuing the matter through legal channels.
Lagos State Government's Position:
Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, clarified that the state government was not directly involved in the demolition exercise. He stated that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's administration upholds justice and fairness and maintains a cordial relationship with the church. Omotoso explained that the demolition originated at the local government level and confirmed that discussions are ongoing with church representatives to resolve the issue.
