A Lagos High Court has ordered Surulere Local Government and its representatives to vacate a parcel of land belonging to the Deeper Life Bible Church, following the demolition of the church’s building and failed compensation negotiations.

Delivering ruling on the matter on Thursday, Justice E.O Ashade, also restrained the council from undertaking any development on the disputed land, just as he directed that members of the church should be given unfettered access to use the property for worship and other religious activities.

Justice Ashade further ordered the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2, to provide protection for the church and its members to prevent further interference and break down of law and order.

The church had accused Lagos State agencies, including Lagos State Building Control Agency, and officials of Surulere Local Government area of demolishing its building located at 36, Aina Street, Lawanson, Surulere.

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It also accused the government of flouting a court order that restrained it from carrying out the demolition pending court decision.

“Since 2007, we have worshipped and served the community from this location. However, in January 2024, the Surulere Local Government notified us of plans to remove our building. This occurred despite an ongoing court case concerning the matter,” the Parish Pastor, Israel Adeagbo, said.

Our correspondent gathered that two days after demolishing the church, the government commenced the construction of shops on the land.

The ruling came following the failed peaceful settlement of the disputed land by the parties after the intervention of police and Christian Association of Nigeria.

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The church accused the local government of undermining the settlement process by offering N10m compensation without adequate valuation of the land, demolished building and other lost property.

Speaking on the court’s ruling, counsel to the church, Taiwo Kupolati, SAN, disclosed that the decision followed a breakdown in attempts to reach an amicable resolution.

“A letter was delivered to the counsel to the church offering N10m as full and final compensation for both the demolished church building and the entire land.

“We responded immediately, requesting that a fair settlement should be based on a joint valuation by the local government’s valuer and the church’s valuer, and possibly the provision of an alternative land within the same community. But there was no response”, Kupolati said.

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According to him, the refusal of the local government to further engage in the settlement process and its recent application for an extension of time to file a defence in court demonstrated that the council was no longer committed to resolving the dispute amicably.

“Now, settlement has completely broken down. Despite the peaceful way we approached them, they (local government) repaid us with silence and disregard. The local government, has proofed that they are no longer interested in a settlement, filed a statement of defence and an application for extension of time,” he said.

Kupolati added that the court’s ruling was a response to the church’s plea for justice and protection.

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“We want to get back our land and seek sufficient compensation for the unlawful demolition of our church building.

“The court granted our prayers and now has restrained the local government from further interfering with our operations. Deeper Life Bible Church now has control of the land until the final determination of this case,” he added.

The court, however, noted that both parties were still free to pursue further dialogue, but warned against any violation of its order.