The Deeper Life Bible Church has strongly condemned the recent demolition of several of its properties by agencies of the Lagos State Government, describing the actions as unjust, targeted, and a violation of constitutional rights.
In a statement released through its legal counsel, Nojim Tairu & Co, the church alleges a troubling pattern of hostility and systemic harassment from multiple arms of government. According to the church, these repeated attacks not only undermine the sanctity of worship spaces but also threaten the broader ideals of religious freedom and rule of law in Nigeria.
“Our church has faced an alarming pattern of hostility over the years, leading to undue harassment, demolition threats, and unwarranted restrictions,” the statement read.
A Trail of Destruction
The church cited a number of recent demolitions, which they say exemplify the growing aggression against their properties:
- Yaba Branch: Demolished by the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA).
- Olorunishola Branch: Torn down by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).
- Lawanson Church: Razed by officials from the Surulere Local Government Area (SLGA), despite an ongoing legal dispute.
Particularly disturbing, according to Deeper Life, is the demolition of the Lawanson branch on May 26, 2025. This demolition occurred just days after a meeting in which the church had reiterated that only state or federal authorities—not local councils—have the legal power to acquire land for public use.
“These aggressive actions not only violate the fundamental rights of our faith community,” the church said, “but also set a dangerous precedent that undermines religious freedom, property rights, and justice in Lagos State.”
Legal Battle Ignored
The church claims that the SLGA had been duly challenged in court earlier in 2024 when it issued a quit notice, citing plans to convert the Lawanson property into a market. In response, the court granted an interim order restoring the church to the site, pending a full hearing.
That legal process, however, was allegedly disregarded when local officials moved in with bulldozers and forcibly demolished the property—a move the church described as “contempt of court” and “a blatant abuse of power.”
“Despite the court’s intervention, SLGA officials took the law into their own hands,” the legal counsel stated. “This is an outright disregard for due process and judicial authority.”
“We Will Not Be Silenced”
In the face of these demolitions, Deeper Life has vowed not to back down. The church insists it will exhaust all legal channels to protect its rights, restore its properties, and ensure those responsible are held accountable.
“We refuse to be intimidated or silenced by unjust actions,” the church declared. “We are prepared to pursue all necessary legal avenues to defend our rights and our place of worship.”
A Call for Justice and Solidarity
Deeper Life is now calling on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Government, and all relevant oversight bodies to launch a thorough investigation into the demolitions. It also urged legal advocates, faith leaders, and international human rights organizations to take note and stand with them.
“We call upon concerned citizens, religious organisations, legal advocates, and the international faith community to stand in solidarity with us. This is not just about Deeper Life—it’s about preserving justice, due process, and the sanctity of worship for all.”
A Broader Concern
The controversy raises broader questions about land rights, abuse of executive powers at the local government level, and the treatment of religious institutions in urban development plans. Legal experts have also warned that if left unchallenged, such actions may erode public confidence in the law and lead to more aggressive dispossessions in the future.
As the dust settles on the demolished churches, one thing is clear: Deeper Life’s battle is far from over. The church’s legal team is expected to press forward in court, and their call for public support is likely to draw significant attention from both national and international observers.
For now, the faithful gather elsewhere—but the message from Deeper Life is resounding: they will not be silent.
Written By Joe Brens
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