A Lagos High Court has summoned the Chairman of Surulere Local Government, Hon. Sulaiman Bamidele Yusuf, to appear before it on June 30, 2025, for possible contempt of court. This follows the controversial demolition of the Deeper Life Bible Church located at 36 Aina Street, Lawanson, in Surulere, Lagos.
The church, which has been on the property since 2007, had been in a legal battle with the local government after receiving a notice in January 2024 about plans to remove it and construct a modern market on the land. In response, the church approached the court to protect its rights and stop any demolition.
Despite an active court order restraining any action on the land, the Surulere Local Government reportedly began the demolition process by tearing down the church’s fence on May 27, 2024. A year later, on May 26, 2025, the entire church structure was pulled down.
“This demolition is a clear case of executive lawlessness and disregard for the judiciary,” said the church’s lawyer, Nojim Tairu. “We condemn it in the strongest possible terms.”
Justice E. O. Ashade has since ordered that the church be restored to its property pending the full hearing of the case. The court also directed the local government chairman, along with the head of administration, legal officer, and other key staff, to appear in court and explain why they should not face contempt charges for disobeying the court’s earlier order.
A spokesperson for the church said they remain confident in the legal process. “We will pursue this matter to its logical conclusion. We expect the court to uphold the rule of law,” the spokesperson said.
The church also raised concerns about what it described as a pattern of attacks on its properties in Lagos. They listed previous demolitions, including its Yaba church by LAMATA in 2021 and the Ayobo church by LASBCA in 2024.
These events highlight ongoing tension between government authorities and private property owners in Lagos, with many calling for greater respect for court orders and property rights.
