Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) Condemns Lagos Demolitions, Accuses State of Ignoring Court Order
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) has criticised the Lagos State Government for demolishing residential buildings in Oworonshoki, alleging that the operation violated both the Nigerian Constitution and an existing court order restraining further demolitions in the area.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, Falana disclosed that the Lagos State High Court had issued an injunction halting demolitions pending the determination of a pending suit. Despite this, he said, the state proceeded with the exercise last Saturday night.
“The court granted an order stopping further demolitions until the matter is heard. By Friday, certified copies were served, yet by Saturday night, bulldozers invaded Oworonshoki,” Falana stated.
The Senior Advocate described the incident as an act of contempt, claiming that government officials had dismissed concerns about the injunction. “When I contacted an official, he told me, ‘We are going to do it, and heaven will not fall.’ That shows total disregard for the rule of law,” he added.
Legal Context: Property Rights and Due Process
Falana referenced Section 43 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to own property anywhere in Nigeria, and Article 14 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which provides similar protections.
He emphasized that no executive authority governor or minister has the power to order demolitions without a valid court ruling. “No executive officer can unilaterally declare a property illegal and demolish it. Due process must be followed,” he said, urging the government to uphold judicial decisions and constitutional safeguards.
Legal analysts note that the Oworonshoki case reflects growing tensions between urban renewal policies and property rights enforcement in Lagos, where multiple demolition exercises have been conducted this year in efforts to clear illegal structures along waterways and road setbacks.
Government Denies Violating Court Order
The Lagos State Government, however, rejected allegations of defying a valid court order. The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, maintained that the demolition targeted illegal structures obstructing drainage channels and road corridors under the state’s urban renewal and flood prevention initiatives.
Omotoso said the government remains committed to due process and environmental safety. “Lagos will not willfully disobey any court order. Our goal is to restore the integrity of the environment and protect lives and property,” he stated.
The operation reportedly affected residents of Coker and Ojulari communities, many of whom had been promised compensation prior to the exercise.
Legal experts have called on state authorities to strike a balance between enforcing urban development regulations and safeguarding citizens’ constitutional rights. According to housing policy observers, the state’s approach to urban renewal must integrate transparency, resettlement frameworks, and legal compliance to maintain public trust and social stability.
The controversy surrounding the Oworonshoki demolitions underscores the need for stronger inter-agency coordination between planning authorities, environmental agencies, and the judiciary to ensure that urban governance aligns with constitutional and human rights obligations.
Conclusion: A Test Case for Rule of Law in Urban Development
The dispute over the Oworonshoki demolitions may evolve into a defining test of Lagos State’s commitment to judicial independence and citizens’ property rights amid rapid urban renewal. As both sides prepare for further legal proceedings, the case highlights broader questions about how Nigeria’s cities can pursue modernisation while maintaining respect for the rule of law.
