Deeper Life Rejects Surulere LG’s ₦10m ‘Insult’, secures Court control over demolished property

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Lagos High Court in Yaba has issued an order restraining the Surulere Local Government from interfering with the Deeper Life Bible Church’s activities on its property at 36 Aina Street, Lawanson, Surulere, following the illegal demolition of the church’s building.

The court’s ruling came after a hearing on Thursday, July 10, 2025, where Taiwo Kupolati, SAN, the church’s legal representative, addressed journalists on the case’s progress.

Kupolati explained that the matter, which was adjourned from 28 June, had progressed with both parties returning to court after failed attempts at out-of-court settlement.

“At the last adjournment, a letter was delivered to the church from the local government offering ₦10 million as full and final compensation for the demolition of the Deeper Life church and the entire land,” he said.

“The church responded immediately, requesting a reasonable and proper valuation through independent assessors or, alternatively, the allocation of another parcel of land within the same community.”

Kupolati noted that despite the church’s proposal for a peaceful resolution, “there was no response whatsoever from the local government,” leading the church to inform the court that “the settlement has completely broken down.”

According to him, “The local government showed this morning that they are no longer interested in settling. They filed a statement of defence and also an application for extension of time.”

Although the church did not oppose the application in the interest of speedy trial, Kupolati said the goal was clear: “We want to go to trial as quickly as possible to get back our land and seek sufficient compensation for the unlawful demolition.”

In a significant development, Kupolati disclosed that the court granted several prayers brought before it, including protection for church members and the right to continue using the land for religious activities.

“The court granted all our prayers,” he said, adding that “From now on, the local government is restrained from going to that land, from interfering with our worship or activities. The AIG, Zone 2, has also been directed to provide police protection for the church.”

He stressed that the court’s ruling affirmed the church’s right to occupy the land pending the final determination of the case.

“The court made it clear that no party should violate its order. While parties are still free to continue negotiations, such talks must not result in any breach of the injunction,” he said.

Reacting to claims by a legal representative who reportedly stated that neither the local government nor the church were the original owners of the land, Kupolati said the issue would be addressed during trial.

“They have filed their statement of defence, but it was not accompanied by any documents. It is now their duty to prove their claims during the trial. Until then, what is important is that as of today, the Deeper Life Bible Church has control of the land, with full protection under court order,” he said.

Kupolati affirmed the church’s commitment to pursuing justice through the legal system, saying, “We believe the court exists to protect lives and property. We are confident in the legal process and we will follow through to the end.”

The case, which stems from the demolition of the church’s building on May 27, 2025, by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and Surulere Local Government, has sparked controversy, with the church alleging a pattern of targeted harassment by state agencies.

A previous court order restraining the demolition was disregarded, prompting the church to pursue legal action.