The Deeper Life Bible Church has rejected a ₦10 million compensation offered by the Surulere Local Government following the demolition of its church building located at 36 Aina Street, Lawanson, Surulere, Lagos State.
The church, through its spokesperson, Mr. Taiwo Kupolati, is instead demanding a proper valuation of the demolished property or relocation to a new site within the same vicinity to enable continued worship by its members.
Kupolati, while speaking to journalists on Friday in Lagos, confirmed that the church building was demolished on May 27 by the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA.
According to him, “Our members are raising questions on the legality of the action. For commensurate compensation to be made, the church wants proper valuation of the property.”
He further disclosed that the ₦10 million offered by the Surulere Local Government was turned down. “Alternatively, the church demands that it should be relocated to another land within the vicinity to enable its members to continue their worship,” he said.
Kupolati added that the church had reached out to the Acting Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone Two, requesting protection for its members against any form of harassment or intimidation while worship activities continue on the site pending resolution.
“We were told that LASBCA acted on its own. But we know the local government had earlier indicated interest in the land,” he said, emphasizing that the church remains committed to resolving the matter legally and peacefully.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, stated that the state government was not involved in the demolition and maintains a cordial relationship with the church.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration has always promoted fairness. We hold Deeper Life Church in high regard. The state government did not order the demolition,” Omotoso said.
He explained that the demolition was a local government affair and that the state government had already initiated discussions with the church.
“We have begun talks with representatives of the church. The governor’s Special Adviser on Religious Matters (Christian) is engaging with them,” he added.
The situation remains under review as parties involved work toward a resolution.
