The Lagos High Court ordered Surulere Local Government and its representatives to vacate a parcel of land belonging to the Deeper Life Bible Church, following the demolition of the church’s building and failed compensation negotiations.
Justice E.O. Ashade also restrained the council from undertaking any development on the disputed land and directed that members of the church be given unfettered access to it.
Justice Ashade further directed the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2, to provide protection for the Deeper Life Bible church and its members to prevent further intervention and a breakdown in law and order.
The Deeper Life Bible church accused Lagos State institutions, notably the Lagos State Building Control Agency and Surulere Local Government officials, of demolishing its building at 36 Aina Street, Lawanson, Surulere.
It also accused the government of violating a court order prohibiting it from carrying out the destruction while awaiting a judicial ruling.
“Since 2007, we have worshipped and served the community from this location. However, in January 2024, the Surulere Local Government notified us of plans to remove our building. This occurred despite an ongoing court case concerning the matter,” the parish pastor, Israel Adeagbo, said.
It was gathered that two days after demolishing the Deeper Life Bible church, the government commenced the construction of shops on the land.
The verdict came after the parties failed to reach a peaceful settlement on the disputed land despite the intervention of the police and the Christian Association of Nigeria.
The church accused the local government of undermining the settlement process by paying N10 million in compensation without a fair assessment of the land, the demolished building, and other lost goods.
Speaking about the court’s decision, Taiwo Kupolati, SAN, counsel for the Deeper Life Bible church, stated that the decision followed a breakdown in attempts to achieve an amicable compromise.
“A letter was delivered to the counsel to the church offering N10m as full and final compensation for both the demolished church building and the entire land.
“We responded immediately, requesting that a fair settlement should be based on a joint valuation by the local government’s valuer and the church’s valuer and possibly the provision of an alternative land within the same community. But there was no response,” Kupolati said.
According to him, the local government’s failure to continue engaging in the settlement process, as well as its recent application for an extension of time to present a defence in court, proved that the council was no longer dedicated to settling the matter amicably.
“Now, settlement has completely broken down. Despite the peaceful way we approached them, they (local government) repaid us with silence and disregard. The local government has proved that they are no longer interested in a settlement and have filed a statement of defence and an application for extension of time,” he said.
Kupolati further mentioned that the court’s ruling was a response to the church’s plea for justice and protection.
“We want to get back our land and seek sufficient compensation for the unlawful demolition of our church building.
“The court granted our prayers and now has restrained the local government from further interfering with our operations. Deeper Life Bible Church now has control of the land until the final determination of this case,” he added.
However, the court noted that both parties were still free to pursue further dialogue but warned against any violation of its order.
