Falana condemns Oworonshoki demolitions, alleges violation of court order

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has criticised the Lagos State Government over the recent demolition of buildings in Oworonshoki, describing the exercise as a constitutional breach and a contempt of a valid court order restraining the government from such action.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria, speaking during an interview on Arise Television on Friday, said the demolition, which reportedly took place at midnight in the Coker and Ojulari areas of Oworonshoki, violated due process as stipulated by Nigerian law.

Earlier reports indicated that the exercise was carried out just hours after the state government had assured affected property owners of compensation. The government explained that the demolition targeted illegal structures erected on drainage channels and road setbacks, stressing that it formed part of its urban renewal and environmental management efforts.

Falana, however, faulted the government’s approach, noting that Section 43 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to acquire and own property anywhere in Nigeria, a right reinforced by Article 14 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

He emphasised that no governor or minister possesses the constitutional authority to unilaterally order demolitions, as only a competent court or legally constituted tribunal can issue such directives. “When it comes to demolitions, the law is clear. Statutory notices, complaint bodies, and appeal committees must be involved before any action is taken,” he said.

The lawyer further disclosed that his chambers had secured a restraining order from the Lagos State High Court to halt the demolition pending the determination of the case. “The court granted the order last Thursday, and by Friday, certified copies were duly served on relevant government agencies. Yet, on Saturday night, bulldozers moved into Oworonshoki despite the subsisting order,” Falana alleged.

He added that when he reached out to some government officials to remind them of the court order, one reportedly responded dismissively, saying, “We are going to do it, and heaven will not fall.”

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Government has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that it did not flout any court directive regarding the Oworonshoki demolition.

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