Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has alleged that the Lagos State Government demolished no fewer than 100 properties in Oworonsoki despite a restraining order from the court.
Recall that last Thursday, Justice Adegboyega Balogun of the Lagos State High Court issued an interim order stopping further demolition of properties in parts of Oworonsoki after complaints by affected residents who denied receiving any compensation.
Justice Balogun granted the restraining order against the respondents and their agents or 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.
Reacting in a statement on Sunday, Falana said the recent demolition exercise has led many families to be displaced.
“In flagrant breach and contempt of the subsisting court order and upon the service of the court order on them, the defendants mobilised over 50 armed policemen and thugs who fired teargas throughout the night to disperse those protesting the demolition and proceeded to commence a fresh demolition.
“The demolition, which was carried out in the dead of the night, has led to the destruction of not less than 100 properties, with many families displaced. The action of the demolition squad was not authorised by any court.
“The action of the demolished squad is a sad reminder of the aggravated contempt committed by the Lagos State Government, 39 years ago, in the celebrated case of The Military Governor of Lagos State & Ors. v. Chief Emeka Odumegwu Ojukwu & Anor. (1986) 2 NWLR (PT 18) 621, where the Supreme Court set a precedent against disregard for due process and the rule of law.
Notwithstanding that the country was then under a military junta, the Supreme Court deprecated the action of the Lagos State Government in defying a court order and resorting to self-help,” the statement read.
