Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has accused the Lagos State Government of demolishing over 100 properties in Oworonshoki despite a subsisting court order restraining further demolitions in the area.
In a statement released on Sunday, Falana said the Lagos government proceeded with the demolition in clear violation of the court order, leaving many families homeless.
“In flagrant breach and contempt of the subsisting court order, and after being duly served, the defendants mobilised over 50 armed policemen and thugs who fired teargas throughout the night to disperse residents protesting the demolition before commencing a fresh round of demolitions,” he stated.
Falana said the exercise, carried out under the cover of darkness, led to the destruction of no fewer than 100 properties, adding that the action was not authorised by any court.
He described the development as a painful reminder of the 1986 case, Military Governor of Lagos State & Ors. v. Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu & Anor., where the Supreme Court condemned the Lagos State Government for defying a court order and resorting to self-help.
“Even under a military regime, the Supreme Court strongly denounced such lawlessness and disregard for judicial authority.
“It is therefore unacceptable for a democratic government to repeat the same act of contempt almost four decades later,” Falana said.
Recall that on Thursday, Justice Adegboyega Balogun of the Lagos State High Court issued an interim injunction halting the demolition of properties in parts of Oworonshoki, following complaints from residents who said they were not compensated.
The order restrained the state government, its agents, and contractors from carrying out further demolitions or creating third-party interests over properties located on Ojileru Street, Ososa Extension, and Toluwalase Street within the Itesiwaju Ajumoni Community Development Area (CDA).
