Justice Ezekiel Asade of a Lagos High Court sitting in Yaba has ordered Surulere Local Council and its representatives to vacate a parcel of land belonging to Deeper Life Bible Church.
The decision is coming after the church’s building was demolished without compensation.
The court has also restrained the council from further taking any development on the disputed land.
Besides, the court directed that members of the church should have unrestricted access to the property for worship and other religious activities.
The judge made the order while ruling on a suit instituted by the church against Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and officials of the council over demolition of its building located at 36, Aina Street, Lawanson, Surulere.
The church also alleged the government flouted a court order that restrained it from carrying out the demolition pending a court decision.
Justice Ashade further ordered the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2, to provide protection for the church and its members to prevent further interference and break down of law and order.
The Parish Pastor, Israel Adeagbo, said that the church had been serving the community from this location since 2007.
He said that in January 2024, the Surulere Local Council notified them of plans to remove their building.
“This occurred despite an ongoing court case concerning the land. Two days after demolishing the church, the government commenced the construction of shops on the land,” he said.
However, the ruling came following the failed amicable settlement of the disputed land by both parties after the intervention of the police and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).
The church accused the council of undermining the settlement process by offering N10 million compensation without adequate valuation of the land after demolishing the building and other lost property.
Meanwhile, the counsel representing the church, Taiwo Kupolati (SAN), disclosed that the decision followed a breakdown in attempts to reach an amicable resolution.
Kupolati said the refusal of the council to further engage in the settlement process and its recent application for an extension of time to file a defence in court showed that the council was no longer committed to resolving the dispute amicably.
He said the court’s ruling was a response to the church’s plea for justice and protection.
Justice Ashade has, therefore, directed both parties to be free to pursue further dialogue, but warned against any violation of its order.
