Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has accused the Lagos State Government of violating a subsisting court order by demolishing over 100 properties in the Oworonshoki area of the state.
According to Falana, the demolition exercise — carried out despite a restraining order issued by the Lagos State High Court — has left many families homeless.
Last Thursday, Justice Adegboyega Balogun granted an interim injunction halting further demolitions in parts of Oworonshoki after affected residents complained that they were neither notified nor compensated. The order restrained the state government, its agents, and contractors from demolishing or interfering with properties located on Ojileru Street, Ososa Extension, and Toluwalase Street within the Itesiwaju Ajumoni Community Development Area (CDA).
However, Falana said the state government proceeded with the exercise in clear contempt of court.
“In flagrant breach and contempt of the subsisting court order, the defendants mobilised over 50 armed policemen and thugs who fired teargas throughout the night to disperse protesters before commencing a fresh demolition,” Falana stated in a press release on Sunday.
He noted that the demolition, carried out “in the dead of the night,” resulted in the destruction of more than 100 properties, rendering numerous families displaced.
Falana condemned the action, describing it as an unlawful act reminiscent of a similar violation by the state government nearly four decades ago.
“This sad episode brings to mind the case of Military Governor of Lagos State & Ors. v. Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu & Anor. (1986) 2 NWLR (Pt. 18) 621, where the Supreme Court warned against defying court orders, even under a military regime,” he recalled.
Citing the late Justice Obaseki, Falana stressed that no government operating under the rule of law has the right to resort to force or self-help once a matter is before the courts.
“Once a dispute has been brought before the court, invoking the judicial powers of the state, it is the duty of the government to allow the law to take its full course,” he quoted.
The senior advocate urged the Lagos State Government to immediately halt further demolitions and comply with the court’s directives, emphasizing that the continued disregard for judicial authority undermines democracy and the rule of law.
